This Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe, featuring creamy avocado and a tangy poppy seed dressing, is a real crowd-pleaser. As strawberry season arrives and warmer months beckon, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the sweet, juicy strawberries in a fresh salad.

Whether you’re looking for a great side dish or a light main course, this colorful salad will be a huge hit at any family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

The best part about this salad is the combination of fresh ingredients that work together to create the perfect salad. The sweetness of ripe strawberries, the creaminess of avocado, the tangy feta, and the crunch of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make this salad a delicious treat.

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Plus, the creamy poppy seed dressing, made with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, ties everything together beautifully.

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5 from 1 vote

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Total Time15

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30 minute recipe, easy recipe, Holiday Dessert, spinach recipe, strawberry recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 410kcal

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Equipment

Serving Bowl

square plate

Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

16 Ounces Fresh Baby Spinach
16 Ounces Fresh Strawberries sliced
1 Ripe Avocado sliced or cubed
½ Cup Goat Cheese crumbled, or substitute with blue cheese or salty feta cheese
½ Cup Pecans Chopped Pecans or Candied Pecans
¼ Red Onion thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin Seeds

For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
¼ Cup Balsamic Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. For best results, make sure the dressing is well combined and has a smooth consistency. You can also prepare this poppy seed dressing ahead of time and store it in a mason jar.
½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ¼ Cup Balsamic Vinegar, 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard, 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup, 1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds, 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice, Salt and Black Pepper to taste
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, creamy avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the salad ingredients together to mix.
16 Ounces Fresh Baby Spinach, 16 Ounces Fresh Strawberries, 1 Ripe Avocado, ½ Cup Goat Cheese, ½ Cup Pecans, ¼ Red Onion, 2 Tablespoons Sunflower Seeds
Drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients and toss again to coat evenly. If you prefer, you can serve the dressing on the side for individual salad plates.
This beautiful salad is ready to be served immediately. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or packing it up for a picnic, this delicious strawberry spinach salad is sure to be a hit.

Nutrition

Tips for the Best Flavor

Use Fresh Ingredients. Fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy avocado provide the best flavor and texture. For the freshest results, try sourcing these ingredients from your local grocery store or farmers market.

Customize the Cheese. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, blue cheese, or tangy feta are great alternatives that add a rich flavor to the salad.

Keep It Light. For a little lighter version of this salad, reduce the amount of cheese and nuts or add more leafy greens.

Add Protein. For a more filling meal, top the salad with slices of rotisserie chicken breast or grilled chicken. This is a great way to turn this salad into a main dish that’s perfect for weight watchers or those on a calorie diet.

Why This Salad Is a Great Addition to Your Summer Menu

This easy strawberry spinach salad is one of my favorite salads for the warmer months. The combination of fresh berries, crunchy pecans, and creamy avocado makes it a great side dish or even a fun way to start a meal.

Plus, with the addition of a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this salad has a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with healthy fats from the avocado and pecans, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s an excellent choice for those following a medically restrictive diet, as it’s easy to adapt to personal consumption needs. Just be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes to fit your daily values.

This strawberry spinach salad is the best salad to make when you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. It’s a simple way to enjoy the best ever strawberry spinach salad, combining the sweet berries of the season with the rich flavors of cheese, nuts, and a creamy dressing.