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15-Minute Fresh Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad

Prep
15 min
Yield
6 servings
Level
medium
Cuisine
American
Fresh Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

A vibrant spinach salad featuring creamy avocado cubes and sweet strawberry slices, tossed with a honey poppy seed dressing made with champagne vinegar and olive oil. The toasted slivered almonds add a delightful crunch while green onions provide a mild bite. This colorful salad works beautifully as a light lunch, side dish for grilled meats, or elegant starter for spring and summer gatherings. The homemade dressing perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.

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Method

6 steps
  1. 1

    Make the salad dressing by whisking all the ingredients together except for the olive oil

  2. 2

    Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify

  3. 3

    In a large salad bowl, add the spinach, then top with the avocado, strawberries, almonds, and green onions

  4. 4

    If serving immediately, toss with salad dressing

  5. 5

    If serving later, coat the avocado cubes with some of the dressing, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator

  6. 6

    When ready to serve, drizzle with the salad dressing, toss, and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Coat avocado pieces with a little dressing to prevent browning if preparing ahead

Tip 2

Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden

Tip 3

For best results, add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 2 days, store dressing separately to maintain crispness

Make Ahead

Prepare dressing and prep ingredients up to 1 day ahead, assemble just before serving

Serve With

Serve immediately after tossing with dressing for best texture

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Add dressing just before serving to avoid wilted greens

Watch

Coat avocado with dressing to prevent browning

Substitutions

Vegan Options

honey→
maple syrup1:1vegetarianvegan

sweeter flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

champagne vinegar→
apple cider vinegar1:1budget

slightly different tang

Full guide →
baby spinach→
arugula1:1peppery

more pronounced flavor

Full guide →
slivered almonds→
walnuts1:1nutty

richer flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting.

What can I substitute for champagne vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar work well. Start with slightly less as some vinegars are more acidic than champagne vinegar.

How long will leftover salad keep?

Undressed salad components keep for 2 days refrigerated. Once dressed, consume within a few hours as greens will wilt and lose crispness.