This bright strawberry avocado salad is a delightful mix of sweet and creamy! With fresh strawberries, ripe avocado, and a splash of zesty dressing, it’s a treat for your taste buds.
Trust me, this salad is so easy to whip up that you’ll want to make it every day! I love adding a handful of nuts for crunch—super yummy and healthy too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal for this salad as it’s tender and full of nutrients. If you can’t find spinach, feel free to use arugula or mixed greens for a different flavor.
Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches!
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess to the salad. If avocados are hard to find, consider using diced mango for a different but sweet twist.
Cucumber: This adds crisp freshness. You can replace it with bell peppers or radishes if you prefer a more crunchy texture.
Pecans: Chopped pecans bring a lovely crunch. Walnuts or almonds can work well too, but if you need a nut-free option, try toasted sunflower seeds.
How Do You Make Sure the Avocado Stays Perfect?
The avocado can easily mash if you aren’t careful. To keep it looking great, slice it last and gently fold it into the salad. This way, it stays intact and adds lovely creaminess.
- Choose a ripe avocado; it should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- When slicing, use a sharp knife and cut gently to maintain shape.
- Put the slices on top of the salad instead of mixing as you go to keep them pretty.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Dressing?
Mixing up a simple dressing can elevate your salad! For this vinaigrette, just whisk the ingredients together until they’re well combined.
- Start with olive oil for a smooth base.
- Add honey or maple syrup for a light sweetness that balances the acidity.
- Finish with vinegar or lemon juice for a fresh zing.
- Salt and pepper to taste! You can adjust these to your liking.
Enjoy your vibrant salad, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own!
Easy Strawberry Avocado Salad
Ingredients
Salad Components:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (or mixed greens)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa (optional for extra texture)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and tasty option for lunch or a side dish for dinner. You’ll spend just a few minutes chopping up the veggies and throwing everything together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, start by combining the fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, cucumber, and quinoa if you’ve decided to add it. These elements together offer a fresh and colorful base.
2. Add the Avocado:
Next, gently fold in the sliced avocado. Be careful! You want to keep the slices intact for that creamy texture without mashing them. This step adds a lovely richness to the salad.
3. Add Crunchy Pecans:
Sprinkle the roughly chopped pecans over the top of the salad. They will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely blended!
5. Combine Everything:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Then, toss it gently to coat all the ingredients with the tasty dressing while being careful not to break up the avocado slices.
6. Serve and Delight!
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, sweet, and creamy flavors of this delightful salad! It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish at dinner.
Enjoy creating this vibrant salad! Its flavors will brighten your day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Greens Instead of Spinach?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the spinach with arugula, kale, or any mixed greens you prefer. They will add different flavors and textures to the salad.
How Do I Keep the Avocado from Browning?
To minimize browning, you can sprinkle a little lemon juice on the sliced avocado right after cutting it. This will help preserve its beautiful green color!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
While you can prep the ingredients in advance, it’s best to toss the salad together just before serving to keep the avocado and greens fresh. You can store the dressing separately in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy the salad.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and try to eat them within a day for the best taste and texture. Just keep in mind that the salad may lose some freshness after a day.
Feel free to experiment and make this salad your own! Enjoy!
