Fresh Strawberry Avocado Salad with vibrant colors and textures

Strawberry Avocado Salad

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Strawberry Avocado Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. This salad is perfect for warm days, potlucks, or as a light meal. The sweet strawberries, creamy avocados, and crunchy pecans create a satisfying texture and taste. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with nutrients!

how to make Strawberry Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

  • 180g / 6 oz baby spinach
  • 1 small red onion, halved and finely sliced
  • 375g / 12 oz ripe strawberries, sliced
  • 2 avocados, quartered and sliced
  • 120g / 4 oz feta, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp eschallots (French onion), very finely chopped
  • 2.5 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp white sugar (for dressing)
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a jar, mix the dressing ingredients (1 tbsp of white sugar, white wine vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper). Shake well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This dressing can also be stored in the fridge for a week.

  2. Make Candied Pecans: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and 3 tablespoons of white sugar. Stir until pecans are coated and caramelized. Once golden brown, remove from heat and let them cool.

  3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced red onion, strawberries, avocados, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Finally, sprinkle the candied pecans on top before serving.

how to serve Strawberry Avocado Salad

Serve the salad fresh as a light lunch, a side dish, or a refreshing appetizer. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to summer meals.

how to store Strawberry Avocado Salad

To store the salad, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. In the fridge, the salad can stay fresh for a day, but it’s best eaten right away to enjoy the textures of the ingredients. The dressing will last up to a week in the refrigerator.

tips to make Strawberry Avocado Salad

  • Use ripe, fresh fruits for the best flavor. Check the strawberries and avocados for softness when selecting.
  • If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more sugar to the dressing or include additional fruits.
  • You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor.
  • Add a touch of lemon juice to the avocados to keep them from browning.

variation

You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. You can also include other berries or nuts according to your liking.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad in advance?
While the salad can be prepared ahead of time, it is best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.

2. What other greens can I use in this salad?
You can use mixed greens, arugula, or kale if you prefer something other than baby spinach.

3. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, swap feta cheese for tofu or omitting it entirely. You can also replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative.