Spinach & Avocado Salad with Almonds
This vibrant and nutrient-packed Spinach & Avocado Salad with Almonds is a quick and satisfying meal, featuring creamy avocado, crunchy nuts and seeds, and a bright lemon-sunflower oil dressing.
For 2 servings
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the sunflower oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Wash and Dry Greens: Gently wash the baby spinach under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this ensures the dressing adheres well.
Prepare Avocado: Halve the ripe avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice the avocado into bite-sized pieces or cubes.
Assemble Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried baby spinach, sliced avocado, sliced almonds, and raw sunflower seeds.
Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad using tongs or your hands until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve Immediately: Divide the salad into two serving bowls and serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crispness of the ingredients.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry Greens Thoroughly: Always ensure your spinach is completely dry before dressing. Water dilutes the dressing and prevents it from clinging to the leaves, resulting in a watery salad.
- 2Toast Nuts & Seeds: For an enhanced flavor and crunch, lightly toast the almonds and sunflower seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
- 3Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the spinach from wilting and the avocado from browning, dress the salad right before you plan to eat it. If prepping ahead, store dressing and salad components separately.
- 4Choose Ripe Avocado: A perfectly ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure. It provides the best creamy texture and rich flavor for the salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Incorporate other fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
Cheese AdditionCheese Addition
Crumble some feta cheese or goat cheese over the top for a tangy, creamy element that complements the other flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado and sunflower oil provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and nutrient absorption.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Spinach, avocado, almonds, and sunflower seeds are packed with dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Vitamin E Powerhouse
Spinach, almonds, and sunflower seeds are particularly high in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to assemble and dress this salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and the avocado from browning. You can prep the dressing and chop other ingredients in advance and store them separately.
