Vibrant Berry Spinach Salad, Blue Cheese Accent

Indulge in a culinary symphony with this vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese, a refreshing dish elevated by the creamy richness of avocados, the delightful crunch of toasted almonds, and a meticulously crafted, tangy-sweet poppyseed salad dressing. Far from a mere side, this salad promises to be a memorable centerpiece, bursting with flavors and textures that dance on your palate.

If your culinary quest involves discovering truly unique and exceptional Spinach Salad Ideas, prepare to be captivated. This recipe transcends the ordinary, offering a sophisticated blend of ingredients that harmoniously combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, an elegant starter, or a stunning accompaniment to your main course, this salad delivers on all fronts, perfect for a sunny afternoon or an impressive dinner party.

Why This Strawberry Spinach Salad Will Become Your New Favorite

There’s a reason certain recipes stand out, becoming instant classics in our kitchens. This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese is undoubtedly one of them, offering a perfect blend of fresh, bold, and delicate flavors. Here’s why it deserves a prime spot in your recipe repertoire:

• A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: The thoughtful inclusion of sweet, juicy strawberries, pungent, yet creamy blue cheese, and smooth, buttery avocado transforms simple spinach into an extraordinary gourmet experience. Each bite offers a delightful contrast – from the tender spinach and crisp red onion to the crunchy almonds and the luscious avocado, creating a dynamic and deeply satisfying mouthfeel.
• The Unforgettable Poppy Seed Dressing: This isn’t just any dressing; it’s a meticulously crafted sweet and tangy poppy seed creation that beautifully marries all the disparate elements of the salad. Its vibrant flavor enhances the freshness of the strawberries, mellows the sharpness of the blue cheese, and perfectly complements the earthiness of the spinach and nuts, creating a cohesive and utterly delicious profile that ties everything together.
• Effortlessly Impressive for Any Occasion: This isn’t merely a casual weeknight side dish; its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and perfectly balanced flavors make it a show-stopper fit for special gatherings. Whether it’s a sophisticated dinner party, a celebratory brunch, or a festive holiday meal, this salad is sure to impress your guests, leaving them asking for the recipe. Prepare for compliments and requests for second helpings!
• Nutrient-Rich and Wholesome Goodness: Beyond its incredible taste, this salad is packed with vital nutrients. Spinach offers a bounty of vitamins (A, C, K, folate) and minerals (iron), strawberries provide a powerful dose of antioxidants and Vitamin C, and avocados contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and essential fiber, making it a delicious way to nourish your body and boost your well-being.
• Remarkably Versatile and Easily Customizable: While the recipe provides a perfect base, it’s also wonderfully adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Easily incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a more substantial main course. Experiment with different types of berries, add other nuts like pecans or walnuts, or swap out the blue cheese for another favorite, ensuring a personalized culinary creation every time.

Mastering Your Ingredients: A Guide to the Perfect Salad Components

Crafting an exceptional salad begins with selecting the finest ingredients and understanding their unique contributions. Here’s a closer look at each component of our Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese, along with expert tips to ensure your dish reaches its full potential:

• Kitchen Staples: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper – These foundational ingredients are critical for building flavor. Always opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing; its nuanced fruitiness will shine through. For seasoning, freshly ground black pepper offers a superior aroma and taste compared to pre-ground varieties, and a good quality sea salt will enhance all the flavors without making them overly salty.
• Cider Vinegar – Chosen specifically for its gentle sweetness and milder acidity, cider vinegar creates a balanced dressing that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the berries and spinach. It’s less harsh than distilled white vinegar, providing a pleasant tang. For an even richer flavor, seek out unfiltered or organic apple cider vinegar.
• Honey – A natural and wholesome sweetener that adds depth and a subtle floral note to the dressing. Beyond its delightful taste, local honey is often recommended for those seeking to alleviate seasonal allergies, as it contains local pollen. Ensure your honey is in a pourable state; if it has crystallized, gently warm the jar in warm water.
• Poppy Seeds – These tiny, intriguing seeds are essential for providing a delightful textural contrast and a distinct, subtle nutty flavor to the dressing. To ensure your dressing is at its best, always check the freshness of your poppy seeds. If they have a bitter taste or a rancid smell, it’s a clear indication that they’ve lost their freshness and should be replaced for optimal flavor.
• Mustard Powder (Dry Mustard) – Often overlooked, mustard powder is a culinary secret weapon in many vinaigrettes. It adds a subtle piquancy that enlivens the dressing and, more importantly, acts as a natural emulsifier. This helps bind the oil and vinegar together, preventing separation and creating a beautifully smooth, homogenous dressing. A small amount makes a significant impact on flavor depth without an overt mustard taste.
• Baby Spinach – The vibrant, verdant base of our salad. Baby spinach leaves are chosen for their superior tenderness and smaller, more manageable size, making them far more enjoyable to eat raw in a salad compared to mature spinach. When selecting, look for leaves that are crisp, deeply green, and show no signs of wilting, yellowing, or discoloration. Always wash thoroughly, even if pre-packaged as “pre-washed,” and use a salad spinner to remove every trace of excess moisture, which is crucial for a crisp salad.
• Strawberries – Sliced into perfect bite-sized pieces, these seasonal gems bring a burst of natural sweetness, vibrant color, and refreshing juiciness to the salad. When choosing strawberries, look for those that are uniformly red from stem to tip, plump, firm, and free from any bruises, soft spots, or mold. The most flavorful and ripe berries will also emit a strong, sweet, and fragrant aroma.
• Sliced Almonds – These contribute a delightful crunch and a delicate, buttery nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. For an unparalleled taste and aroma, it is highly recommended to toast them just before assembling your salad. Toasting awakens their essential oils, intensifying their flavor and making them wonderfully fragrant and crisp. Be incredibly vigilant during this process, as almonds can burn very quickly; toast them in a dry non-stick sauté pan over medium heat, shaking or stirring constantly until golden brown.
• Avocado – The creamy, rich texture and abundant healthy fats of a ripe avocado are indispensable to this salad, adding a luxurious mouthfeel. To combat the common problem of browning (oxidation), the golden rule is to cut your avocado just before you intend to toss the salad. For added protection and if prepping slightly ahead, gently coat the freshly cubed avocado with a little of your prepared salad dressing; the oil forms a protective barrier against the air, significantly minimizing discoloration.
• Blue Cheese – Crumbled for even distribution throughout the salad, blue cheese introduces a bold, salty, and wonderfully tangy counterpoint that harmonizes with the sweetness of the strawberries and honey. While Gorgonzola, with its milder, creamier profile, is a fantastic choice, feel free to use your favorite variety – whether it’s the more intense bite of Roquefort, the earthy notes of Stilton, or a delicate Danish blue.
• Red Onion – Thinly sliced, red onion adds a welcome sharp, crisp bite and a pungent flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. To temper its raw intensity and make it more palatable for a salad, soak the thin slices in ice water for about 10-15 minutes. This simple step helps to draw out some of the harsher, sulfuric compounds. After soaking, drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels to prevent any excess moisture from diluting your exquisite dressing.

Unlock the Secrets to Salad Perfection: Expert Tips and Tricks

Achieving a perfectly composed, flavorful, and visually appealing salad often comes down to thoughtful preparation and precise timing. Follow these expert tips to ensure your Strawberry Spinach Salad is always a resounding success and a joy to behold:

• Strategic Pre-Preparation for Seamless Serving: To make entertaining or even busy weeknight meals a breeze, plan to prepare certain components in advance. The poppy seed salad dressing can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator (remember to give it a good shake before use). Toast your almonds earlier in the day and allow them to cool completely. Similarly, soak your red onions as recommended to temper their pungency. This forward-thinking approach significantly reduces last-minute kitchen stress and allows you to enjoy the process.
• Elevate Presentation by Trimming Spinach: If you are serving this exquisite strawberry spinach salad to dinner guests, a small but impactful detail is to go through the baby spinach leaves and gently remove any overly long or tough stems. This simple step not only enhances the visual appeal of the salad but also improves the texture, making each bite more delicate and enjoyable for your diners.
• The Golden Rule of Dressing: Timely Tossing: The absolute golden rule for any fresh green salad is to wait to toss it with the dressing until the very last moment, just before serving. This crucial step is paramount for preventing the spinach leaves from becoming soggy, limp, and unappetizing. Dressing the salad too early will cause the greens to wilt, losing their crispness and vibrant texture. Ensure every leaf remains crisp and fresh by dressing it right before it hits the table.
• Avocado’s Best Friend: A Dressing Shield: As previously mentioned, avocados are notorious for browning rapidly when exposed to air. If your schedule requires you to prep the avocados slightly ahead of time (e.g., up to an hour before serving), you can employ a clever trick. Gently toss the freshly cubed avocado with a tablespoon or two of your prepared poppyseed dressing. The oil in the dressing acts as an effective protective barrier, sealing the avocado flesh from oxygen and significantly slowing down the oxidation process, keeping them looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
• PRO-Tip: The Art of Toasting Almonds for Enhanced Flavor: Toasting nuts is a transformative step that significantly elevates their flavor and texture. The heat coaxes out their natural oils, intensifying their nutty aroma and giving them a delightful, crisp crunch that raw nuts simply can’t match. To toast efficiently and evenly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread your sliced or slivered almonds in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan. Shake the pan every 2 minutes or so, watching them meticulously, until they become wonderfully fragrant and turn a beautiful golden brown, which typically takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, you can achieve excellent results by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking or stirring frequently for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Always allow them to cool completely before incorporating them into the salad to maintain their crispness.
• PRO-Tip: Achieving the Perfect Emulsified Dressing: An emulsified dressing is characterized by its creamy, cohesive texture, where the oil and vinegar are perfectly blended into a stable mixture, rather than separating. To achieve this desirable consistency, begin by whisking together all your dressing ingredients (cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, mustard powder, salt, and pepper) EXCEPT the olive oil. Once these are thoroughly combined, gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream while continuously whisking vigorously. This slow addition and constant agitation allow the oil to disperse into tiny droplets throughout the vinegar mixture, creating a stable emulsion that will beautifully cling to your salad greens.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for tang) as needed. A perfectly seasoned dressing elevates the entire dish from good to exceptional.
• Consider a Composed Salad Presentation: For a particularly elegant and visually stunning display, instead of tossing all the ingredients together, arrange the spinach as a lush base in your serving bowl. Then, artfully place the strawberries, avocado, blue cheese, and toasted almonds on top in distinct sections. Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving. This presentation showcases the beauty of each individual ingredient and makes for a truly impressive dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Exquisite Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating this stunning salad is a straightforward process when you follow these simple, organized steps. Precision in preparation and timing will ensure a fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced dish every time.

1. Prepare Your Core Salad Components: Begin by prepping all the salad ingredients that are not prone to oxidation. This includes crumbling your blue cheese, toasting your almonds (and allowing them to cool completely), slicing your fresh strawberries, and thinly slicing and soaking your red onions to temper their pungency (then draining and drying them thoroughly). Critically, hold off on cutting the avocados until the very last minute, as they will quickly turn brown when exposed to air.
2. Assemble the Verdant Base: In a large, aesthetically pleasing serving bowl, gently place your fresh, thoroughly washed, and dried baby spinach. This will form the lush, verdant foundation upon which the rest of your vibrant ingredients will be layered.
3. Arrange the Colorful Toppings: Artfully arrange the prepped ingredients – the vibrant sliced strawberries, the rich crumbled blue cheese, the crunchy toasted almonds, and the crisp, mellowed red onion slices – over the spinach. For now, keep the prepped avocados separate and nearby.
4. Craft the Creamy Poppyseed Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and mustard powder until well combined. Continue whisking vigorously as you slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Whisk continuously until the dressing is beautifully emulsified and takes on a creamy, cohesive texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to achieve your desired balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
5. Address the Avocados with Care: Just moments before you are ready to serve the salad, cube your ripe avocado. To protect these creamy cubes from browning, immediately and gently toss them with a tablespoon or two of your freshly prepared salad dressing. This thin, oily coating acts as an effective shield, significantly slowing down the oxidation process.
6. The Grand Finale – Toss and Serve: Right before bringing your masterpiece to the table, pour the remaining dressing over the assembled salad (the spinach and its arranged toppings). Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure every leaf and topping is lightly and evenly coated with the delicious dressing. Finally, carefully fold in the dressing-coated avocado cubes, distributing them throughout the salad without bruising. Serve immediately and delight in the fresh, vibrant, and harmonious flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Spinach Salad

Explore More Delicious Salad Creations

If you’ve fallen in love with the fresh, vibrant, and harmonious flavors of this strawberry spinach salad, we invite you to explore other delightful salad recipes that are equally satisfying and full of zest. Expand your culinary horizons and discover your next favorite with these fantastic options:

• Mixed Green Salad with Pomegranate Seeds, Feta and Pecans from The Comfort of Cooking – A truly festive and flavorful combination that is perfect for any season, offering a delightful crunch and tang.
• Spinach Strawberry, Pomegranate, Feta Salad – Another berry-infused delight that provides a slightly different yet equally captivating twist with the sweet burst of pomegranate seeds and the salty kick of feta cheese.
• Macho Salad Recipe – For those who crave a more robust, hearty, and intensely satisfying salad experience, packed with substantial and flavorful ingredients that truly fill you up.
• Spinach Almond and Berries Salad – A classic and ever-popular combination that celebrates the simple joy of fresh, seasonal berries paired with the delightful crunch of toasted almonds, a timeless favorite.
• Plus, don’t miss our comprehensive collection of all my Best Salad Recipes, where you’re sure to find endless inspiration and your next culinary obsession!

The Recipe:

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Blue Cheese

Prep Time
15 minutes

Total Time
15 minutes

Yield
6

A tasty spinach salad with fresh strawberries, blue cheese, almonds, and red onions tossed in a poppy seed salad dressing.

Ingredients

Salad:

• 1 ½ 5-ounce bags of baby spinach
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 avocado, cut into cubes
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
• ½ small red onion*, thinly sliced

Salad Dressing:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Pinch of dried mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Instructions

1. Place spinach in a large salad bowl.
2. Arrange the rest of the salad ingredients across the top of the spinach. Set aside.
3. To make the salad dressing, whisk together the vinegar, honey, and dried mustard.
4. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the mixture comes together/emulsifies.
5. Taste and add salt and pepper to the dressing if needed.
6. Toss the salad with the dressing right before serving.

Notes

*Soak the onion slices in ice water to remove some of its pungency. Drain and pat dry with paper towels before using.

Add the avocados right before serving so they don’t oxidize (turn brown) or coat them in salad dressing before adding to minimize browning.

Adapted from Gimme Some Oven.

Recommended Products

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• OXO Salad Dressing Shaker
• OXO Cutting Board
• 10-Inch Wire Whisk

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 477Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 316mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 7gSugar: 14gProtein: 8g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

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