If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of sweetness, you have to try this delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe. This salad is a perfect balance of juicy strawberries, buttery avocado, crunchy almonds, and tangy cheese, all tied together by a luscious poppyseed dressing that you can whip up in minutes. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of color, taste, and nutrition on your plate—ideal for a quick lunch or a stunning side dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this recipe, each bringing its own unique touch. From the tender baby spinach leaves to the sweet poppyseed dressing, every item plays a vital role in creating a vibrant and satisfying bowl of goodness.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: Provides a tender, nutrient-packed base packed with vibrant green color and a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with sweeter ingredients.
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced: Add natural sweetness and juiciness that contrasts beautifully with creamy and crunchy elements.
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced: Brings a buttery creaminess that enriches the salad without overpowering.
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese: (or goat cheese or feta) Offers tangy, sharp notes that complement the sweetness and add depth.
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness to the mix.
- Half a small red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a mild pungency and a bit of bite to balance sweeter flavors.
- 1/3 cup avocado oil: (or olive oil) Creates a smooth, healthy base for the dressing to coat the salad ingredients perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Contributes a sharp tang that livens up the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a natural sweetness that enhances the flavors without being overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Gives a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a gentle kick of flavor.
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper: Essential to season and bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Begin by combining avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and freshly-ground black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients form a smooth, emulsified dressing that’s perfectly balanced in sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 2: Season the Dressing
Give your dressing a taste test and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt or pepper if needed. This step is crucial because a well-seasoned dressing elevates every bite of your salad.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, toss together the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, toasted almonds, and thin slices of red onion. This colorful mixture is both visually appealing and packed with a variety of textures that make the salad exciting to eat.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the freshly made poppyseed dressing evenly over the salad. Be generous but careful—it’s easy to add more if you want, but hard to fix if overdressed.
Step 5: Toss Gently
Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss all the ingredients until they’re well coated with the dressing. The goal is to combine without bruising the strawberries or mashing the avocado.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
For the freshest taste and most vibrant texture, serve your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe immediately. This way, the greens stay crisp, and the flavors shine brilliantly.
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To add even more personality and texture, consider sprinkling extra toasted sliced almonds or a few extra poppy seeds on top right before serving. A few sprigs of fresh mint or basil can also enhance the salad’s brightness and add a flair of elegance.
Side Dishes
This salad works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even a crusty baguette. It’s hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal but also pairs beautifully with light proteins for a balanced lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in individual clear bowls or mason jars to showcase the layers of vibrant ingredients. Another fun idea is to hollow out a ripe avocado half and fill it with the salad for a playful and Instagram-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge and the salad ingredients in a large sealed bowl or container with a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture. Enjoy within 1 to 2 days for best freshness.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh ingredients like spinach, avocado, and berries, freezing is not recommended as they will lose their texture and flavor. Stick to fresh preparation for this recipe’s best results.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t applicable. If you want to bring it back to life after chilling, simply toss it gently again and add a splash of fresh dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens can be great alternatives, each adding a unique flavor and texture dimension to the salad.
Is there a substitute for poppy seeds if I don’t have any?
You can try toasted sesame seeds or just omit the poppy seeds altogether. While you’ll miss that distinct crunch, the salad will still be delicious.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk or shake before drizzling over your salad.
What cheese works best in this salad?
Blue cheese adds a bold tang, but goat cheese or feta are excellent milder options that also complement the sweetness of the strawberries well.
Can I add protein to make this salad a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great protein boosts, turning this salad into a satisfying and balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe truly brings joy to the table with its fresh ingredients and harmonious flavors. It feels like a hug in a bowl—comforting, bright, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try next time you want something easy yet impressive, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite for both you and your loved ones.
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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh and vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors, featuring fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy toasted almonds, and tangy crumbled blue cheese. Tossed in a homemade poppyseed dressing with red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this salad is light, nutritious, and ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Half a small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly-ground black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Season the Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing evenly over the salad ingredients to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all salad components together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing without bruising the avocado or spinach.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness and texture, enjoying the crisp, sweet, creamy, and tangy elements in each bite.
Notes
- To toast sliced almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- If avocado oil is unavailable, olive oil can be used as a substitute in the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh; storing it for too long can cause the avocado to brown.
- Feel free to swap blue cheese with goat cheese or feta, depending on preference.
- Adjust honey quantity in the dressing to suit your desired level of sweetness.
