This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
I didn't want you to think I'd jumped over the deep edge .... I mean, with my Winter White Red Velvet Fudge, Pink Citrus Granita and Five Sweet Sensations for Your Sweetheart posts all in one week, I didn't want you to think I'd gone off on a sugar binge, never to return to sensibleness.
Nope, not me! After sampling a few too many of the above named Valentine treats (of course, I do it for you, just to be certain it's blog-worthy, hehe) I was craving something fresh, fun and festive ............ something that would redeem myself in your eyes. I think your faith in me will be restored when you check out this delicious Citrus, Strawberry and Avocado Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing.
It would be wonderful for lunch, as a first course, or to accompany grilled or roasted chicken, pork, or seafood. It would also be perfect for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. I’m imagining how lovely it would look on a pretty plate served with The Café’s Irish Roasted Salmon. Add some low lights, candles, and classical music and I have a feeling feathery-winged little cherubs will abound...
This recipe can also be seen on PARADE Magazine.
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup lime fresh juice
- 6 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
-
Place all dressing ingredients except canola oil and poppy seeds in a blender container. Process for 1-2 minutes on high or until very smooth.
-
Transfer to a medium-size bowl. Add canola oil in a slow, steady stream while vigorously stirring with a fork or whisk. Stir in poppy seeds. Taste and add a bit more honey, salt and/or pepper, if needed.
- 6 cups fresh greens I used arugula and máche*
- 1 medium navel oranges peeled, halved, and sliced
- 1 medium cara cara orange peeled, halved, and sliced
- 1 medium blood orange peeled, halved, and sliced
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 6 medium strawberries thinly sliced
- 1 small avocado peeled, halved, and sliced
- 2 oz goat cheese crumbled
-
Place greens on a large platter. Top with orange slices, avocado, strawberry slices and red onion rings.
-
Scatter with goat cheese, then drizzle lightly with dressing. Pass extra dressing in a cruet or small pitcher at the table.
* Máche is a beautiful, tender green that’s usually only available in the late winter and early spring. It’s sometimes called lamb’s lettuce. I snatch it up whenever I see it because it makes a gorgeous salad. If you can’t find it at your market, arugula will work just fine in this salad, as will baby spinach.
Vicki Bensinger says
You have so many great salads to share today I love them all. However, I've always been partial to salads with a Strawberry PoppySeed Vinaigrette. I make my own as well and it brings a salad to life. Great recipes and photos as always!
Judi says
I made this yesterday along with that amazing spinach/prosciutto/gruyere quiche for lunch guests and got rave reviews on both. This will be my 'go to' quiche as so easy to put together and the it looks beautiful. I also took the time to arrange the salad properly (I have a tendency to throw things on a plate and that is pretty much what they usually look like) and mine looked pretty close to yours. First gushy comments I have ever received on a salad. PLUS I normally don't like citrus in salads, but this teamed with the strawberries and poppy seeds was just amazing. What a great combination both visually and taste-wise.
- spoonstories- says
Ok I can die for this salad! Avocado and strawberry is my best choice for salads!! Thanks for sharing^^
Lenia says
This is an amazing salad!So pretty, colorful and yummy!
Dear Chris, we have moved to a new site! We invite you to http://theveggiesisters.gr/
Kisses from Greece!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Gorgeous salad, Chris! I love all the flavors going on with those avos. 😉 So sorry I missed you last week (was down with the flu). I hope you and yours have been healthy (away from the flu bug) and that you had a lovely Valentine's Day! Pinned!
Joyce Olson says
Good Morning Chris-
If I could swoon over a salad this one would be it! Beautiful!
Happy Valentines Day to you!
xx-
Jemma
Kitchen Riffs says
I love poppyseeds with strawberries! Lovely dressing and salad -- thanks.
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
Chris, this colorful and very healthy salad wll certainly brighten everyone´s day - what a fabulous recipe, I particularly like the bright strawberry dressing with the poppy seeds and, of course, the fantastic photos!
Sandra Lee says
You're bringing us a little spring and I love it! You still hold the title of Salad Queen!
cakewhiz says
What a beautiful salad Chris! All those colors are so eye-catching 😀
Pinned 🙂
Pam says
What a beautiful and colorful salad!
Danielle @ TheCharmItSpot says
This looks so good! I'm a fan of fruit in salads, and I've had raspberry vinaigrette before, but strawberry is my favorite! This looks really good and reminds me of summer! Thanks for sharing!
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
Gorgeous looking salad!
Angie Schneider says
A really appetizing and beautiful salad!
Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Your salad is just beautiful!! I am loving all the bright colors and I am so excited that strawberries are starting to peek in the stores!
Sophia Del Gigante says
What an AWESOME flavorful and healthy dressing! YUMMMM!
Sue/the view from great island says
Oh man that dressing is worth the price of admission !
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Beautiful salad, Chris! The colors are so fresh and vibrant!
Mary Callan says
What a gorgeous dressing - and salad! what a lovely pink treat for Valentines! and healthy - perfect 🙂
Mary x
Mr. & Mrs. P says
What a gorgeous salad Chris. That dressing sounds wonderful!!!
Christie Daruwalla says
Love this salad Chris. All the fresh fruit with a little heat from the sriracha. It sounds like perfection to me.
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
Absolutely gorgeous salad Chris and the dressing sounds amazing! I can still have one of the sweets for dessert... right?:@)
Denise Browning says
Pretty, colorful, healthy, and looks very delish!!!! I could have this salad by itself for lunch/dinner!!!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
The Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing looks gorgeous!