Strawberry Avocado Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Avocado Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. With its juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp greens, this salad is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish for a summer meal, a healthy lunch option, or a vibrant addition to a picnic or barbecue, this salad is sure to impress. Topped with a zesty vinaigrette and complemented by a variety of fresh ingredients, Strawberry Avocado Salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

This salad offers a healthy dose of vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber from the avocado and strawberries, making it a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare this simple yet elegant dish, provide tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors, and suggest some fun variations to try.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Avocado Salad

• Vibrant, Fresh Ingredients: The combination of ripe, sweet strawberries and creamy avocado creates a contrast that is both visually stunning and delicious. The freshness of the greens adds the perfect touch to make this salad a crowd-pleaser.
• Perfect for All Occasions: This salad is versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family meal, a fancy dinner party, or a picnic in the park. It’s light, yet satisfying, making it perfect for warm weather dining.
• Nutrient-Rich: With ingredients like strawberries and avocados, this salad is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to boost their intake of nutritious foods without sacrificing taste.
• Simple and Quick: This salad comes together quickly and requires minimal prep time. The ingredients are easy to find, and the dressing can be whisked up in a few moments, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
• Customizable: You can customize this salad to suit your preferences by adding additional ingredients or adjusting the dressing. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations depending on your taste or dietary needs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for optional toasted nuts)
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 180-200 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180-200 kcal
• Fat: 15-17g
• Carbohydrates: 14-16g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 5-6g

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Avocado Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional for added crunch)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional, for added flavor)

For the Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Special Equipment

Although this salad doesn’t require any specialized tools, having a few key pieces of equipment will make the preparation process easier and more efficient:

1. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the strawberries and dicing the avocado. You’ll want clean, even cuts to ensure the salad looks as appealing as it tastes.
2. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will make the slicing and dicing of ingredients safer and more convenient.
3. Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is necessary to toss the salad ingredients together without spilling. It also gives you enough room to evenly coat the greens and fruit with the vinaigrette.
4. Whisk: A whisk is useful for emulsifying the vinaigrette, ensuring that the oil, vinegar, mustard, and other ingredients blend together smoothly.
5. Toaster or Skillet: If you choose to toast the nuts, you’ll need either a toaster or a skillet to lightly toast the pecans or walnuts. This enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Start by washing and drying your mixed greens. You can use arugula, spinach, baby kale, or any combination of greens you prefer. Make sure the greens are dry so the dressing can coat them evenly.

Next, slice your strawberries. For the best results, use ripe, fresh strawberries. Slice them into thin, even pieces to ensure they mix well with the avocado and greens.

Now, dice the avocados. Cut them in half, remove the pit, and slice the flesh into cubes. Be gentle when handling the avocado to avoid mashing it. The creamy avocado will complement the sweetness of the strawberries and add a smooth texture to the salad.

If you’re using red onion, slice it thinly. Red onions provide a subtle bite and color contrast that works well with the sweet strawberries and creamy avocado. You can skip this ingredient if you prefer a milder flavor.

2. Toast the Nuts (Optional)

If you’d like to add some crunch to the salad, you can toast some pecans or walnuts. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado.

To toast the nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure they don’t burn. After about 3-5 minutes, they should be lightly golden and fragrant. Remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool before adding them to the salad.

3. Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). The mustard will help emulsify the dressing and give it a tangy kick, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This will help the oil and vinegar combine into a smooth vinaigrette. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want a sweeter dressing, you can add more honey, or for a tangier version, add more vinegar.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and diced avocado. If you’re using red onion, add the thinly sliced onion to the mix as well.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Start with a small amount of dressing, as you can always add more later if needed. Toss the salad gently to coat the greens and fruit with the vinaigrette. Be careful not to mash the avocado—use a gentle tossing motion to mix everything evenly.

5. Add the Toasted Nuts and Fresh Herbs

If you toasted pecans or walnuts earlier, now is the time to add them to the salad. Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top of the salad for an extra crunch.

For a fresh, herbaceous touch, sprinkle the chopped basil over the top. The basil adds a pop of color and a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can also use mint or cilantro if you prefer a different herb.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the salad is assembled and tossed, serve it immediately. The freshness of the ingredients will shine, and the dressing will enhance the natural flavors of the fruit and avocado.

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado can brown over time. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can store the components separately (dressing, salad ingredients, nuts, and herbs) and toss them together just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Avocado Salad

• Use Ripe Avocados: The avocado should be ripe but not mushy. A perfectly ripe avocado will give the salad a creamy texture and mild flavor. You can tell if an avocado is ripe by gently pressing it—if it yields slightly, it’s ready to use.
• Don’t Overdress the Salad: Start with a small amount of dressing and toss the salad gently. You can always add more dressing if necessary, but you don’t want to overwhelm the delicate flavors of the ingredients with too much vinegar or oil.
• Customize with Extra Ingredients: Feel free to customize the salad by adding extra ingredients like goat cheese, feta, or crumbled blue cheese for a creamy and tangy touch. You can also include other fruits like oranges, grapes, or pears for a more complex flavor profile.
• Use Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: Since this salad relies heavily on fresh fruit and greens, using in-season strawberries and locally sourced avocados will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Serve Immediately: While this salad is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Toss everything together just before serving to avoid wilting greens or browning avocado.

Variations of Strawberry Avocado Salad

• Strawberry Avocado Salad with Goat Cheese: Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and richness of the avocado.
• Strawberry Avocado Salad with Grilled Chicken: Make this salad a complete meal by adding grilled chicken. The protein will balance the salad and make it more filling.
• Strawberry Avocado Salad with Balsamic Glaze: For a more decadent touch, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the finished salad for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Strawberry Avocado Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese: If you like a more savory flavor profile, add blue cheese and toasted walnuts. This variation works especially well with a honey-based vinaigrette.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Avocado Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado can brown and the greens can wilt if stored for too long. However, if you need to store leftovers, you can keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. It’s best to keep the dressing separate from the salad to avoid sogginess.

To store the avocado separately, sprinkle it with a little lemon or lime juice to help prevent browning.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Avocado Salad

Pair this refreshing salad with a variety of dishes to create a balanced meal:

• Grilled Meats: Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Seafood: The light, fresh flavors of the salad pair beautifully with seafood, such as grilled shrimp, salmon, or crab cakes.
• Fresh Bread: A crusty baguette or ciabatta is perfect for sopping up any leftover dressing.
• Quinoa or Couscous: For a more filling meal, serve the salad alongside a grain-based side like quinoa or couscous. These options are light but provide additional texture and fiber.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Avocado Salad is a deliciously light and vibrant dish that brings together fresh, healthy ingredients in a simple yet satisfying way. Whether served as a side dish or a main, this salad is sure to impress with its combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp greens. With a quick and easy vinaigrette to tie everything together, this salad is the perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish and explore the many variations to make it your own!