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Looking for a vibrant, nutrient-packed salad that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings? This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach with a delightful crunch from nuts and a tangy balsamic strawberry vinaigrette. It’s not just a salad—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients
What makes this salad truly special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries, while the spinach provides a fresh, earthy base. Feta cheese adds a salty tang, and the combination of almonds and pistachios creates an irresistible crunch in every bite. The homemade balsamic strawberry vinaigrette ties everything together with its sweet-tangy profile.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Organic spinach | 1 package (5 ounces) |
| Strawberries, halved | 8 ounces (about 2 cups) |
| Avocado, sliced | 1 large |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | ½ small |
| Feta crumbles | ½ cup |
| Raw sliced almonds | â…“ cup |
| Chopped shelled roasted pistachios | ¼ cup |
| Balsamic vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Garlic, grated or finely minced | 1 clove |
| Dijon mustard | ½ teaspoon |
| Strawberry jam | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Helpful Tools
To make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado, you’ll want these essential tools on hand:
- A good quality chef’s knife for slicing strawberries and avocado
- A mason jar or small bowl for shaking up the vinaigrette
- A medium skillet for toasting the almonds to golden perfection
Pro-Tips
Make your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado truly exceptional with these expert tips:
- Toast your nuts for maximum flavor: Don’t skip toasting the almonds! This simple step transforms their flavor from good to incredible, adding a deeper, nuttier taste that elevates the entire salad.
- Add dressing just before serving: For the freshest salad, add the balsamic strawberry vinaigrette right before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Customize your fruit: If strawberries aren’t available, try Celery Salad Recipe A Refreshing And Crunchy Delight with blueberries, peaches, raspberries, or blackberries for equally delicious results.
- Make the dressing your own: The balsamic strawberry vinaigrette is versatile! Try different fruit jams like raspberry, blackberry, or peach to create your signature dressing.
- Layer strategically: When assembling, place heavier ingredients like avocado and strawberries on top of the spinach to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado
- Prepare the dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, grated garlic, dijon mustard, and strawberry jam. Shake or whisk vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toast the almonds: Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the base: In a large serving bowl, add the organic spinach as your base layer.
- Add the toppings: Arrange the halved strawberries, sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, feta crumbles, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios over the spinach in an attractive pattern.
- Dress and serve: Either drizzle the dressing over the entire salad and toss gently, or serve the dressing on the side for individual portions. Top with extra toasted almonds for added crunch.
Variations
This versatile Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado can be adapted in countless ways:
- Add protein: Transform this side salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
- Change the cheese: Substitute goat cheese or blue cheese for the feta if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to make this salad completely vegan-friendly.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado is the ultimate blend of fresh, sweet, and savory flavors. Loaded with juicy strawberries, creamy avocado slices, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese, it’s tossed in a simple homemade poppyseed balsamic dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect healthy side dish or a light, refreshing summer lunch!
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
— The Salad —
10 oz fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 large ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (toasted)
1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
— Balsamic Poppyseed Dressing —
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. **Make the Dressing:** In a small mason jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake vigorously (or whisk well) until the dressing is smooth and completely emulsified. Set aside.
2. **Toast the Nuts (Optional):** If your nuts aren’t already toasted, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
3. **Assemble the Base:** In a large wide serving bowl or platter, lay down an even bed of the fresh baby spinach. Scatter the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and cooled toasted nuts over the greens.
4. **Add Avocado and Cheese:** Gently arrange the sliced avocado on top (adding it now prevents it from getting mashed). Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese evenly over the entire salad.
5. **Dress and Serve:** Just before serving, give the dressing another quick shake and drizzle it lightly over the salad. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to break up the avocado slices. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Wash and slice the strawberries and onions, but wait to slice the avocado until right before serving to prevent it from turning brown.
Preventing Brown Avocado: If you must slice the avocado slightly ahead of time, toss the slices gently in a little bit of fresh lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad.
Protein Additions: Turn this salad into a hearty main course by adding sliced grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or a scoop of quinoa on top.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Omit the cheese (or use a vegan alternative) and be sure to swap the honey for maple syrup in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
FAQ
Can I make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado ahead of time?
Yes, but with some considerations! Prepare all components separately and store them in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing in a separate container and add it just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
How do I keep the avocado from browning in this salad?
Avocado browns quickly when exposed to air. To prevent this, add the avocado just before serving, or toss the slices with a little lemon or lime juice, which helps slow oxidation.
Is this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado healthy?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients including vitamins A and C from spinach and strawberries, healthy fats from avocado and nuts, and protein from feta cheese. It’s a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal option.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado is more than just a salad—it’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that brings together the best of fresh produce in one beautiful bowl. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy feta creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.