This vibrant, nutrient-dense Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs antioxidant-rich berries with heart-healthy avocados and a signature homemade poppy seed vinaigrette for the ultimate insulin-friendly summer staple.
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Ingredients
- 5 to 6 cups baby spinach leaves, lightly packed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp raw honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
Recommended Ingredients:
Organic Poppy Seeds: View on Amazon >
*Expert Tip: These tiny seeds are a great source of manganese, essential for bone health and blood clotting.*
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: View on Amazon >
*Expert Tip: ACV with “the mother” contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes to support gut health.*
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, and almond slices.
- Emulsify the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds until thoroughly combined.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad components. Gently toss to coat the spinach and fruit evenly without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately for peak freshness.
Kitchen Tech Tip: For the best consistency, use a small glass mason jar to mix your dressing. Shaking the ingredients vigorously creates a better emulsion than whisking by hand.
Professional Notes & Customization
Storage: The poppy seed dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. If the olive oil solidifies, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and shake well before use.
Meal Prep Advice: To prevent wilting, do not dress the salad until right before consumption. If packing for lunch, store the avocado (tossed in a little lemon juice) and the dressing in separate small containers.
Health Substitutions: Swap baby spinach for arugula to add a peppery, metabolic-boosting kick. To increase the protein density of this meal, add 4 ounces of grilled wild-caught salmon or hormone-free shredded chicken breast.
