This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, tangy, and crunchy. Juicy strawberries, buttery avocado, toasted almonds, and crumbled cheese are tossed with tender baby spinach and finished with a light homemade poppyseed dressing. A fresh and colorful salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

🥗 Ingredients

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)
⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted
½ small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Poppyseed Dressing:

⅓ cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🥣 Instructions

1. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

2. Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and red onion.

3. Dress and Toss
Drizzle the poppyseed dressing evenly over the salad, then gently toss until all ingredients are lightly coated.

4. Serve
Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness. Enjoy!

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful and vibrant: A stunning mix of colors and textures
Naturally sweetened: Honey adds just the right touch of natural sweetness
Perfect for spring and summer: Light, refreshing, and seasonal
Quick to make: Comes together in just 15 minutes
Flexible and crowd-pleasing: Great for parties, picnics, or everyday meals

✅ Tips

Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Use ripe avocados for the best creamy texture.
Add dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
Thinly slice the onions to avoid overpowering other flavors.

🔄 Variations and Substitutions

Cheese swap: Try goat cheese or feta for different flavor profiles.
Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa make it a hearty meal.
No poppy seeds? You can omit them or use chia seeds for a similar effect.
Sweetener alternative: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Add fruit: Try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples for extra flavor.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but wait to slice the avocado and add the dressing until just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid sogginess.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on cheese and condiments.

🍽️ Serving

Serve as a light lunch, brunch side, or starter for dinner
Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or crusty bread
Great addition to spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or baby showers

🍓 Suggestions

Add a splash of balsamic glaze on top for a richer finish
Serve with a side of chilled rosé or sparkling water with lemon
Turn it into a wrap or pita-stuffed salad for lunch on the go