Avocado Strawberry Salad
Highlighted under: Light Food
I've discovered that combining creamy avocado with juicy strawberries creates a mouthwatering salad that’s not only vibrant but also packed with nutrients. This Avocado Strawberry Salad is my go-to dish for summer gatherings. The sweet and savory balance of flavors truly captivates everyone’s taste buds. To elevate the experience, I like to add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Trust me, you’ll want to make this refreshing salad again and again!
When I first made this Avocado Strawberry Salad, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a harmonious dish. The creamy avocado complements the sweet strawberries perfectly, while the crunch of walnuts adds texture. I've experimented with different dressings, but a light vinaigrette really lets the natural flavors shine through.
One particular tip I’ve learned is to slice the avocados just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. Adding fresh mint leaves elevates the dish to a gourmet level! It’s the perfect blend of health and indulgence.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A refreshing combination of creamy and sweet flavors
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes
- Perfect for summer picnics or a light lunch
Choosing Quality Ingredients
Selecting ripe avocados is crucial for this salad's creamy texture. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't overly soft. If your avocados are under-ripe, you can accelerate their ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two. Fresh strawberries should be vibrant red and free of any mushy spots to ensure a sweet and flavorful addition to your salad.
Using fresh mint elevates the salad by adding a burst of flavor that complements both the avocado and strawberries. If fresh mint isn’t available, consider using basil for a different yet delightful twist. Just remember to use fresh herbs in this recipe—dried herbs won't deliver the same vibrant flavor.
Mastering the Assembly
When mixing the ingredients together, be gentle to avoid mashing the avocados. Toss them lightly with the strawberries and walnuts, as you want the avocados to remain chunky and provide that creamy mouthfeel. If you're preparing this salad ahead of time, keep the avocados separate until just before serving to prevent browning.
To enhance the salad’s presentation, consider layering the ingredients instead of mixing them. Start with a base of diced avocados, followed by the strawberries, and top with crumbled feta and walnuts. This not only looks appealing but also allows guests to enjoy distinct layers of flavor with each bite.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delightful salad.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're halfway to a delicious salad!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to assemble your Avocado Strawberry Salad.
Prepare the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced strawberries, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss to mix.
Add Seasoning
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine and enjoy!
Your Avocado Strawberry Salad is now ready to be served. Enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding toasted nuts or a squeeze of lime juice to the salad just before serving.
Storage Tips
This Avocado Strawberry Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the components separate. The avocado will brown quickly once mixed with the other ingredients. You can store the chopped avocados in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon juice to slow down the oxidation process. The rest of the salad ingredients can last up to three days in the fridge when stored properly.
If you're planning to make this salad in advance for an event, consider prepping all the ingredients a day ahead. Keep them stored separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble. This way, you’ll maintain maximum freshness and flavor without compromising the texture of the avocados.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this salad based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can turn this light salad into a more substantial meal. For a different flavor profile, you might try adding sliced kiwi or pears to introduce additional sweetness and visual appeal.
If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch while catering to dietary restrictions. This not only maintains the salad’s texture but also adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to serve this salad fresh to avoid the avocados browning. You can prep the ingredients and assemble right before serving.
→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option.
→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and mix them together just prior to serving.
→ Can I add proteins to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be great additions for a more filling meal.
Avocado Strawberry Salad
I've discovered that combining creamy avocado with juicy strawberries creates a mouthwatering salad that’s not only vibrant but also packed with nutrients. This Avocado Strawberry Salad is my go-to dish for summer gatherings. The sweet and savory balance of flavors truly captivates everyone’s taste buds. To elevate the experience, I like to add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Trust me, you’ll want to make this refreshing salad again and again!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced strawberries, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss to mix.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding toasted nuts or a squeeze of lime juice to the salad just before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g