Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Name: Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh baby spinach; Strawberries; Avocado; Crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese/feta); Sliced almonds; Red onion; Poppyseed dressing (made with avocado oil, red apple vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard)

Published: August 4, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy days.
Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and avocados brings a delightful sweetness and creaminess that will tantalize your taste buds.
Versatile Dish: Great as a side dish or main course; it can accompany grilled meats or stand alone as a healthy meal.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports a balanced diet while satisfying your hunger.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing for any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
Whisk or jar shaker
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space to combine all your ingredients without spills.
Small bowl or jar: This is ideal for whisking together the dressing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Whisk or jar shaker: A whisk helps emulsify the dressing properly, ensuring all flavors blend well.
Cutting board & Knife: These are essential for safely preparing your fruits and vegetables.

Ingredients

This delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is quick and easy to make, full of great fresh flavors, and tossed with a simple poppyseed dressing.

For the Salad

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

For the Dressing

1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
3 tablespoons red apple vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl (or jar), whisk together the avocado oil (or olive oil), red apple vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, fine sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. You can also shake them in a covered jar for convenience.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until well combined.
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it.

As a Standalone Meal

A light lunch option that can be served alone. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

With Grilled Chicken

Add grilled chicken breast for extra protein. This combination enhances the flavors and makes the dish heartier.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside your favorite main courses. Its fresh flavors complement grilled meats and hearty entrees beautifully.

At Picnics or Potlucks

This salad is easy to transport and great for sharing. Prepare it the night before and toss right before serving.

For Meal Prep

Store in individual containers for a quick grab-and-go lunch option. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad even better, here are some helpful tips that will elevate your dish.

Choose ripe avocados – Ripe avocados add creaminess and enhance the flavor of the salad.
Use fresh strawberries – Fresh, sweet strawberries will brighten up your salad and provide a juicy burst.
Toast the almonds – Toasting brings out the nutty flavor of almonds, adding a delightful crunch.
Adjust the dressing – Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Add protein options – Incorporate nuts, seeds, or grilled meats if you want extra nutrition.
Serve immediately – To maintain freshness, serve right after tossing to prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

If you’re looking for sides that pair well with this salad, consider these delicious options. They will complement the flavors of your salad perfectly!

Grilled Salmon – The rich flavor of salmon pairs beautifully with the freshness of the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf – A light and nutty quinoa dish adds texture and complements the ingredients in the salad.
Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast to the fresh salad.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth to your meal.
Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meats make an attractive side.
Cheese Platter – A variety of cheeses can enhance flavors and offer different textures alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is easy, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or wilted spinach or overripe strawberries can ruin the salad’s flavor and texture. Always choose fresh produce for the best results.
Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the ingredients. Start with a small amount and gradually add more as needed for a balanced flavor.
Not Toasting Almonds: Raw almonds can taste bland in the salad. Toasting them enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture. Simply toast them in a dry pan until golden brown.
Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season your dressing properly can lead to a flat-tasting salad. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Cutting Ingredients Too Small: Dicing avocado or slicing strawberries too finely may lead to mushy textures in the salad. Aim for bite-sized pieces to maintain freshness.
Serving Immediately: Allowing the salad to sit too long can result in wilting spinach. Serve it right after tossing for optimal freshness and crunch.

Refrigerator Storage

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Use an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best results.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes of spinach and avocado once thawed.
If necessary, you could freeze the dressing separately for up to 1 month.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread out any leftover salad on a baking sheet and warm it slightly without cooking it.
Microwave: Use short intervals (15-20 seconds) on low power if you need to warm individual portions, but this may affect texture.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat while stirring frequently, ensuring not to cook the spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

Yes! You can add ingredients like grilled chicken, nuts, or other fruits based on your preferences.

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

The total time for making this delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is just 15 minutes!

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Blue cheese is traditional, but goat cheese or feta also works well for added creaminess and flavor.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Absolutely! Omit cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for an easy vegan adaptation of this recipe.

Can I make the poppyseed dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the poppyseed dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing makes for a delightful dish that balances freshness, taste, and nutrition. It’s perfect as a side or main dish and is easily customizable with your favorite toppings. Give it a try, and enjoy exploring different variations!

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