Fresh strawberry avocado salad with vibrant greens and dressing

Strawberry Avocado Salad Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Strawberry Avocado Salad is a fresh and colorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocados, and crunchy pecans, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. This salad is great for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal. It’s healthy, packed with nutrients, and easy to prepare. Plus, the homemade dressing adds a special touch that elevates the entire dish.

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 (very finely chopped)
  • 2.5 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp poppyseeds
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

  1. Dressing: Place the dressing ingredients (eschallots, white wine vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, white sugar, poppyseeds, salt, and black pepper) in a jar. Shake well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to blend the flavors. This dressing can be stored in the fridge for a week.

  2. Candied Pecans: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and 3 tbsp of white sugar. Stir until the pecans are coated and lightly toasted. Remove from heat and let them cool.

  3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, red onion, sliced strawberries, sliced avocados, and crumbled feta. Add the cooled candied pecans on top. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.

how to serve Strawberry Avocado Salad

Serve the Strawberry Avocado Salad immediately for the best taste and texture. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side with grilled chicken or fish. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra feta cheese or poppyseeds on top before serving.

how to store Strawberry Avocado Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. The salad will stay fresh for up to two days, but the avocados may brown slightly over time.

tips to make Strawberry Avocado Salad

  • Choose ripe avocados to add creaminess to the salad.
  • If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add more sugar according to your taste.
  • Make sure to slice the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.

variation

You can add other fruits like blueberries or mandarins for a fruity twist. Additionally, swapping feta cheese for goat cheese can enhance the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use other greens instead of baby spinach?
Yes! You can use arugula, mixed greens, or even kale for a different flavor.

2. Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! You can replace the feta cheese with tofu or leave it out entirely, and use a vegan mayonnaise for the dressing.

3. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and the candied pecans in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.