Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad has become my absolute go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. I remember the first time I tried a version of this salad at a summer picnic; the combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach was just divine. It felt so light yet incredibly flavorful, and I knew I had to recreate it. This particular spinach salad with strawberries and avocado is truly special. It’s an easy avocado strawberry spinach salad that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a refreshing lunch. The vibrant colors alone make it a joy to prepare and eat, and the dressing is pure magic. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Incredible flavor combination of sweet, creamy, and tangy notes
• Super quick to prepare, ready in under 20 minutes
• Packed with nutrients, making it a truly healthy avocado strawberry spinach salad
• Uses affordable, seasonal ingredients for a budget-friendly meal
• A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy
• The balsamic vinaigrette is simple yet elevates the entire dish
• It’s a versatile and healthy avocado strawberry spinach salad that can be customized easily
• Perfect for a light dinner or a substantial lunch option

Ingredients for Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

Gathering the right avocado and strawberry spinach salad ingredients is key to its amazing flavor. This recipe uses fresh, vibrant components for a truly satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 cups of baby spinach – the crisp, fresh base of our salad
• 2 chicken breasts – seasoned and grilled for a protein boost
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – essential for seasoning the chicken
• 1 1/2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries – for that burst of sweetness
• 1/3 cup blueberries – adding another layer of fruity flavor
• 1 avocado, sliced – provides creamy texture and healthy fats
• 1/4 cup pecans – for a delightful crunch
• 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese – adds a tangy, creamy contrast
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar – the base of our delicious homemade dressing
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – for the dressing’s richness
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – adds a slight kick to the vinaigrette
• 1 tablespoon raw honey – to balance the acidity of the vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – for an aromatic herbal note
• 1 garlic clove, minced – to enhance the dressing’s savory profile

How to Make Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious and vibrant salad that’s perfect for any occasion. This is how to make avocado strawberry spinach salad that will impress everyone!

1. Step 1: Kick things off by preheating your grill to a nice medium-high heat, aiming for that sweet spot between 350°F and 400°F. This ensures your chicken cooks perfectly.
2. Step 2: While the grill heats up, pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step makes a big difference in flavor.
3. Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side. You’re looking for that internal temperature to hit a safe 165°F, indicating it’s fully cooked and juicy.
4. Step 4: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest on a clean cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial for keeping the chicken moist and tender.
5. Step 5: Now, let’s whip up that amazing balsamic vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon raw honey, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Whisk all those dressing ingredients together vigorously until they’re beautifully emulsified and smooth. Set this luscious dressing aside to drizzle over your masterpiece.
7. Step 7: In a large salad bowl, gently toss together 6 cups of baby spinach, 1 1/2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries, 1/3 cup blueberries, 1 sliced avocado, 1/4 cup pecans, and 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese. This is where the magic starts to happen for your strawberry spinach salad with avocado and chicken.
8. Step 8: Slice the rested grilled chicken and arrange it evenly over the prepared salad.
9. Step 9: Drizzle your homemade balsamic vinaigrette generously over the entire salad.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately and savor every bite of this incredible strawberry spinach salad with avocado and chicken!

Pro Tips for the Best Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

Elevating your salad game is easy with these simple tricks. Achieving the best avocado strawberry spinach salad is all about fresh ingredients and a little attention to detail.

• Always use fresh, ripe avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Don’t dress the salad until you’re ready to serve to prevent the spinach from wilting.
• Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Ensure your chicken is completely cool before slicing and adding to the salad for the best texture.

What’s the secret to perfect Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad?

The secret to a truly perfect avocado strawberry spinach salad lies in the balance of textures and flavors, and of course, the best dressing for avocado strawberry spinach salad. Our homemade balsamic vinaigrette, with its sweet and tangy notes, perfectly complements the creamy avocado, sweet strawberries, and savory chicken. For more on creating balanced flavors, check out this guide on the beauty of food.

Can I make Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep most components ahead of time! Grill and slice the chicken, wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and make the dressing. Store these separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad?

A common pitfall is using underripe or overripe avocados – aim for just-ripe for optimal creaminess. Also, over-dressing the salad can make the spinach soggy; add the dressing gradually, tossing gently, and serve immediately for the freshest result. Learn more about selecting the perfect avocado with this easy avocado toast recipe guide.

Best Ways to Serve Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

This vibrant salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic centerpiece for many meals. For a light yet satisfying dinner, pair it with crusty garlic bread or a simple bowl of tomato soup. It’s also a wonderful starter for a larger gathering. For a perfect summer avocado strawberry spinach salad, consider serving it alongside grilled fish like salmon or lemon herb chicken skewers. The fresh flavors complement grilled dishes beautifully, making it an ideal choice for outdoor entertaining or a casual weeknight meal.

Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Nutrition

Understanding the avocado strawberry spinach salad nutrition helps you appreciate just how wholesome this dish is. Each serving is packed with good-for-you ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet.

• Calories: 253 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 260mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For more information on healthy eating, explore sustainable farming practices.

How to Store and Reheat Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

Properly storing your delicious salad is key to enjoying its freshness, and there are a few ways to handle leftovers. For the best texture, I find it’s best to store the components separately. After your avocado strawberry spinach salad has cooled completely, package the grilled chicken, salad greens, fruit, nuts, and cheese in separate airtight containers. Keep these in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dressing can also be stored separately in a sealed jar. While these spinach strawberry avocado salad variations are great for meal prep, freezing is generally not recommended for this salad as the avocado and greens can become mushy upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

What is in an avocado strawberry spinach salad?

A classic avocado strawberry spinach salad typically features a base of fresh baby spinach, sliced ripe avocado, and sweet strawberries. Many recipes, including ours, also include additions like blueberries, crunchy nuts (like pecans), crumbled cheese (goat or feta), and a protein source such as grilled chicken. The dressing is often a light vinaigrette, with balsamic being a popular choice.

Why add avocado to strawberry spinach salad?

Adding avocado to a strawberry spinach salad is a fantastic idea! It brings a wonderful creaminess that perfectly contrasts with the crisp spinach and sweet strawberries. Plus, avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which help you feel fuller for longer and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the other ingredients in your salad.

Can I substitute other fruits or nuts in this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is wonderfully adaptable. You could swap the strawberries for raspberries or blackberries. Blueberries are great, but even a few mandarin orange segments can add a lovely citrus note. For nuts, walnuts or slivered almonds work just as well as pecans. These variations keep your avocado strawberry spinach salad exciting and personalized. Consider trying berry crumble with fresh berries for a different fruit-forward experience.

What kind of chicken works best for this salad?

Grilled chicken breast is my favorite for this salad because it adds a nice smoky flavor and lean protein. However, you can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even pan-seared chicken thighs if you prefer. The key is to have it cooked and cooled before slicing and adding it to your avocado strawberry spinach salad.

Variations of Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad You Can Try

This salad is so adaptable, and I love experimenting with different avocado spinach strawberry salad ideas. It’s easy to tweak it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations I enjoy:

• For a Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and add a cup of cooked quinoa or chickpeas. This makes for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian main course, perfect for Meatless Mondays.
• Add Some Crunch: Instead of pecans, try toasted slivered almonds or even some crunchy sunflower seeds for a different nutty texture. A sprinkle of crispy wonton strips can also add a fun element.
• Go Dairy-Free: Omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use a dairy-free feta alternative. This keeps the salad light and suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or toss in some thinly sliced jalapeño peppers with the other salad ingredients.

Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad: 10 Amazing Twists

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken, featuring a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a light dinner or refreshing lunch, combining sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tender chicken.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups of baby spinach
• 2 chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/3 cup blueberries
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup pecans
• 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 garlic clove, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F – 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. While chicken rests, prepare the balsamic vinaigrette: combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, dried basil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Whisk dressing ingredients until well emulsified and set aside.
7. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, avocado, pecans, and goat cheese.
8. Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken.
9. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette.
10. Serve and enjoy your Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Notes

• For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• The balsamic vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Feta or blue cheese can be substituted for goat cheese.
• Add quinoa, chickpeas, or a boiled egg for a heartier salad.
• Use fresh strawberries for best results, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if patted dry.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 253 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 9mg