Spinach avocado salad with toasted sunflower seeds is a healthful meal that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat. Packed with large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, this salad has it all - no matter your age or dietary preference. In this article, we'll discuss how to make this flavorful salad and how to make it even more delicious with creative variations. Did I mention it also takes just 10 minutes to make? Let's jump right in!
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Ingredients
Fresh baby spinach leaves: We will need 5 cups of these.
Avocados: These creamy avocados are "must-have" ingredients!
Sunflower seeds: add crunchiness to the salad.
Lemon and lime: The combination of lemon and lime juice in the dressing adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the salad. If you don't have them in hand, feel free to substitute them with red wine vinegar.
Sea salt and black pepper: to taste.
Olive oil: extra virgin!
Salad dressing: I used creamy lime avocado salad dressing. You can use your favorite salad dressing with this salad. Poppyseed dressing and sesame salad dressing all pair very well with this delicious salad.
Step-by-step instructions
Now, let's proceed with the steps to make the salad: Rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, and then slice it into thin pieces. Add the avocado slices to the salad bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, squeezed lime, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Use salad tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds over the top of the salad. Transfer the salad to individual serving plates or bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Creative variations options
There are plenty of creative variations you can try to add some excitement and variety to your spinach avocado salad with Sunflower Seeds. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a source of protein to make it a more substantial meal. Consider adding grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled bacon for added flavor and protein.
- Incorporate some fresh fruits for a touch of sweetness. Sliced fresh strawberries, diced mangoes, or orange segments can add flavor and contrast to the salad.
- Crumble some cheese over the salad for extra creaminess and richness. Feta cheese, goat cheese, or blue cheese work well and complement the flavors of spinach and avocado.
- Experiment with different types of nuts to enhance the texture and add a delightful crunch. Try sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, pine nuts, or crunchy pecans for a nutty twist.
- Spice up your dressing with additional ingredients for a zesty kick. Consider adding minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, or herbs like basil or cilantro to the dressing to infuse extra flavor.
- Grains and legumes: For a heartier salad, you can add cooked grains or legumes. Quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, or black beans can provide additional texture, fiber, and nutrients.
- Roasted vegetables can add depth and warmth to the salad. Roast vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or beets, and add them as a tasty and colorful addition.
- Swap the creamy avocado salad dressing for a lemon vinaigrette and ranch for a richer flavor profile.
Feel free to come up with your own unique combinations to suit your taste preferences. The key is to be creative and have fun exploring different flavors and textures in your spinach avocado salad with sunflower seeds.
Pro tips
Here are some pro tips to make your spinach avocado salad with Toasted Sunflower Seeds even better:
- Use fresh, crisp spinach leaves that are crisp and bright green. Ensure your avocado is ripe but still firm to the touch.
- When tossing the salad, be gentle to avoid mashing the avocado slices. Use salad tongs or clean hands to delicately combine the ingredients, ensuring the avocado remains intact.
By following these pro tips, you'll elevate the flavors of your spinach avocado salad with toasted sunflower seeds.
Store spinach avocado salad
If you have any leftover salad, transfer it to an airtight container. It's best to store the salad without dressing to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy. Place the container in the fridge to keep the salad chilled. The salad can be stored for up to 1-2 days.
When you're ready to eat the salad, add the dressing just before serving. This helps to keep the spinach leaves crisp and prevents the avocado from browning.
Note: Avocado tends to oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. To minimize browning, you can sprinkle some lemon or lime juice over the avocado slices before storing the salad. The acid in the citrus juice helps to slow down the oxidation process.
Conclusion
Today's salads don't have to be boring! This easy-to-make healthy salad packs a powerful combination of fresh spinach, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted sunflower seeds that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it contains essential nutrients that can help keep you full and energized. So, get ready to add some deliciousness and nourishment to your next lunch break!
Spinach Avocado Salad With Toasted Sunflower Seeds
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 3 medium size avocados
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 small lemon to squeeze
- 1 small lime to squeeze
- ¼ teaspoons sea salt
- pinch of black pepper optional
- avocado ranch dressing or creamy lime avocado salad dressing
Instructions
- Rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, and then slice it into thin pieces. Add the avocado slices to the salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, squeezed lime, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Use salad tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds over the top of the salad.
- Transfer the salad to individual serving plates or bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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