Vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant explosion of color and flavor that dances on your palate. Imagine biting into fresh, juicy strawberries mingled with creamy avocado and crisp spinach, all brought together by a zesty poppyseed dressing that makes your taste buds sing. It’s not just salad; it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for picnics, brunches, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Now, let me take you down memory lane. Picture this: a sunny afternoon barbecue where I awkwardly attempted to impress my friends with my culinary skills. Instead of burnt burgers or soggy hot dogs, I whipped up this dazzling Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. The looks on their faces were priceless as they devoured the salad like it was the last dish on Earth. And guess what? It became the star of the show! You can bet this delightful salad will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Ingredients for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from wilting to form the base of our salad.
• Strawberries: Look for ripe, juicy strawberries that are bright red; they’re essential for that sweet burst of flavor.
• Avocado: Select ripe avocados that give slightly when pressed; they add creaminess and richness to our salad.
• Poppyseed Dressing: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it brings a tangy sweetness that ties everything together.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle sharpness that balances out the sweetness of the fruit.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor for added texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing your fresh spinach thoroughly under running water. Pat it dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner if you have one (hey, no one likes soggy greens!). Slice your strawberries and avocado into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the red onion.

Step 2: Toast Your Nuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, add your pecans or walnuts. Toast them for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning those little nuggets of goodness!

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, avocado slices, and red onion. Gently toss them together like you’re creating magic—careful not to squish any avocados.

Step 4: Dress It Up

Drizzle your poppyseed dressing over the assembled salad. Start with just half of it; you can always add more later if needed! Toss gently again until everything is coated beautifully.

Step 5: Add Crunch

Sprinkle your toasted nuts on top for that delightful crunch we all crave!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer your gorgeous creation onto plates or serve family-style right from the bowl. Watch as everyone dives in—it’s bound to be an instant favorite!

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor and color. So go ahead, whip up this refreshing dish for any occasion!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and drying your spinach, strawberries, and avocado. Slice the strawberries and avocado while preparing the poppyseed dressing. Toss everything together just before serving for maximum freshness and vibrant colors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Add nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch or sub in goat cheese if you want a creamy twist. The dressing can also be adjusted; try honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness. Avoid reheating as salads are best enjoyed cold.

Sometimes, I whip this salad up when friends come over, and their eyes widen in delight at the colors! The first bite always gets a chorus of “Yum!” that makes all the chopping worth it.

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

To make a delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you will need fresh spinach, ripe avocados, juicy strawberries, and a homemade poppyseed dressing. For the dressing, gather poppy seeds, honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. You may also want to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Feel free to customize your salad with additional toppings such as feta cheese or red onions.

How do I prepare the poppyseed dressing for the salad?

Preparing the poppyseed dressing for your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is simple. In a bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and poppy seeds. Whisk all the ingredients together until well blended. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup according to your taste. Once combined, drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare certain components of the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad in advance. Wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries and avocados right before serving to maintain their freshness. The poppyseed dressing can be made ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, avoid combining all ingredients until you are ready to serve to prevent sogginess and browning of the avocado.

What are some variations of Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?

You can easily customize your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing by adding various ingredients. Consider including grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas work well too. Experiment with different fruits like blueberries or oranges for a unique twist. Adding toasted nuts can enhance texture while crumbled cheese adds creaminess. These variations keep your salad exciting and cater to personal preferences.

Conclusion for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing :

In conclusion, the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines fresh flavors and textures. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation method, this salad makes for a perfect side dish or light meal. Remember to keep the components separate until serving to ensure freshness while enjoying this delightful recipe anytime during warmer months or special occasions. Indulging in this salad offers both health benefits and delicious taste!

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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

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Description

A refreshing salad bursting with vibrant flavors from juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach, all drizzled with a tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups Fresh Spinach
• 2 cups Strawberries, sliced
• 1 large Avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup Poppyseed Dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup Pecans or Walnuts, toasted

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the spinach thoroughly and pat dry. Slice the strawberries and dice the avocado. Thinly slice the red onion.
2. 2. Toast Your Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans or walnuts for about 5 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. 3. Assemble Your Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, and red onion. Gently toss them together.
4. 4. Dress It Up: Drizzle half of the poppyseed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing to taste if desired.
5. 5. Add Crunch: Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top for added texture.
6. 6. Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately on individual plates or family-style from the bowl.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - Use ripe avocados for creaminess; they should yield slightly when pressed. - Wash your spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. - For variations, substitute almonds for walnuts or add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.