Super simple Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing that is healthy, delicious and the perfect summer staple!
This bright and easy Strawberry Spinach Salad is a summer favorite: fresh strawberries, tender baby spinach, creamy avocado and crunchy almonds come together in a sweet and tangy honey poppy seed dressing. It’s fast to prepare, attractive on the table and flexible enough to serve as a light lunch, a side for grilled meats, or a contribution to a potluck. The combination of textures and flavors — juicy fruit, buttery avocado, crisp nuts and a glossy dressing — makes this salad appealing to nearly any palate.
Why We Love this Salad
The balance of sweet and savory is the reason this salad stands out. Ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness, baby spinach offers a delicate, slightly earthy base, sliced almonds add crunch, and avocado contributes a rich, silky texture. The homemade poppy seed dressing ties everything together with bright vinegar, mellow olive oil and a touch of honey for just the right amount of sweetness. Visually it’s also a winner: vibrant reds and greens make it look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 to 6 cups baby spinach leaves, lightly packed
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Make this salad your own!
This recipe is a great template for customization. Swap baby spinach for baby arugula or a mixed spring greens blend if you prefer a peppery or more complex base. Add crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese for tangy richness, or toss in sliced red onion for a sharper bite. For more protein, add shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp or a can of rinsed chickpeas. Toasted walnuts or pecans are excellent alternatives to almonds. The dressing is also adaptable: substitute maple syrup for honey, or use lemon juice instead of one of the vinegars for a citrus-forward variation.
If you’re new to salads or trying to make lunches more interesting, this one is a reliable crowd-pleaser. It combines familiar, comforting flavors with fresh ingredients and comes together in about 10 minutes, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Prepping and Storage
Prepare the dressing in advance to save time. It stores well in a covered jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks — just give it a good shake before using. If you plan to make the salad ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to preserve the spinach’s texture. Store cut avocado with a sprinkle of lemon or lime juice to slow browning if you need to pre-dice it for an hour or two. Leftover salad is best eaten within a day for optimal texture and flavor.
Recipe
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 10 mins • Total time: 10 mins • Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 cups baby spinach leaves, lightly packed
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado and sliced almonds.
- In a jar or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey and poppy seeds until the dressing is emulsified and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is lightly coated. Serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1/4 of recipe • Calories: 306 kcal • Carbohydrates: 21.8 g • Protein: 3.8 g • Fat: 24 g • Saturated Fat: 3.3 g • Sodium: 35 mg • Fiber: 6.6 g • Sugar: 13 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
Tips and Serving Ideas
- For extra crunch and flavor, lightly toast the almonds before adding them to the salad.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish or pork to make a heartier meal.
- For a lower-sugar dressing, reduce the honey or swap for a sugar-free sweetener to taste.
- If preparing for a picnic, pack components separately and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Hope you enjoy this Strawberry Spinach Salad — it’s simple, fresh and versatile. Try the variations above to make it your own and enjoy a reliable summer staple any time you want a bright, satisfying salad.
