Avocado Strawberry Salad
Highlighted under: Wholesome Healthy Meals Favorites
I love how refreshing and vibrant this Avocado Strawberry Salad is! The combination of creamy avocado with the sweetness of ripe strawberries creates a delicious contrast that’s irresistible. I often prepare this salad as a side dish for barbecues or as a light lunch to enjoy on warm days. The best part is how quick and easy it is to make, allowing me to focus on enjoying every bite. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free treat!
When I first tried combining avocados and strawberries, I was amazed by how well they complemented each other. The creaminess of the avocado brings a depth that pairs beautifully with the burst of sweetness from the strawberries. I experimented with different dressings and discovered that a simple balsamic vinaigrette enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
To make this salad even more enjoyable, I like to add a handful of nuts, such as sliced almonds or walnuts, for added crunch and nutrition. Also, preparing the salad just before serving ensures the ingredients remain fresh and vibrant!
Why You'll Love This Salad
- The perfect balance of creamy and sweet flavors.
- Bright, colorful presentation that’s a feast for the eyes.
- Nutritious ingredients packed with vitamins and healthy fats.
Selecting the Best Ingredients
When making this Avocado Strawberry Salad, choosing ripe avocados is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not overly soft. For the strawberries, opt for ones that are bright red and fragrant, which indicates sweetness and freshness. If you're short on time, feel free to use pre-sliced strawberries available at your local grocery store, but be sure to check for freshness.
Red onion adds a sharp crunch that enhances the salad's flavors. If you find raw red onion too overpowering, try soaking the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This step helps mellow out the onions while still keeping their vibrant color. Lastly, using good quality feta cheese will elevate the dish; look for a creamy, crumbly feta that will provide the perfect salty contrast to the sweet strawberries.
Perfecting the Dressing
The dressing for this salad is simple yet packs a flavorful punch. When whisking the balsamic vinegar and olive oil, ensure that the mixture emulsifies until it appears glossy and well-blended. This can usually be achieved in about 30 seconds of vigorous whisking. A high-quality balsamic vinegar can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile, so seek out a brand that you enjoy. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad to adjust the seasoning. If it's too tart, a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity. When tossing the salad with the dressing, do it gently to prevent the avocados from becoming mushy. They should retain their shape, allowing each bite to provide a lovely contrast of textures, from the creamy avocados to the juicy strawberries.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Gently toss them to mix without mashing the avocados.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add the crumbled feta cheese and nuts, if using, and give it a final gentle toss.
Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice to the salad or using mint leaves for garnish. Make sure to choose ripe avocados for optimal creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This Avocado Strawberry Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp on top to make it heartier. It's also delightful when served alongside a light vinaigrette or alongside roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor contrast. Don't forget that it pairs wonderfully with fresh crusty bread or as a side to grilled fish during summer barbecues.
For an extra touch, garnish the salad with fresh mint or basil leaves. These herbs not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute a refreshing layer of flavor that complements both the strawberries and the avocado. Just a few leaves will brighten the salad, making it even more appealing for guests.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you are preparing this salad in advance, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This prevents the avocados from browning and the salad from becoming soggy. You can slice the strawberries and avocados a few hours ahead of time, storing the avocado slices in an airtight container with a little lemon juice to slow oxidation. However, for optimal taste and texture, serve the salad as fresh as possible.
While this salad is best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for about one day. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as the avocados continue to ripen and the salad ingredients release moisture. If you notice excess liquid, simply drain it before enjoying the leftovers the next day.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It's best to prepare this salad just before serving to keep the avocados from browning and the strawberries fresh.
→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?
You can substitute with goat cheese or omit it altogether if you prefer a dairy-free version.
→ Can I add more ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, arugula, or other fruits like blueberries for a unique twist.
→ How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
This salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Avocado Strawberry Salad
I love how refreshing and vibrant this Avocado Strawberry Salad is! The combination of creamy avocado with the sweetness of ripe strawberries creates a delicious contrast that’s irresistible. I often prepare this salad as a side dish for barbecues or as a light lunch to enjoy on warm days. The best part is how quick and easy it is to make, allowing me to focus on enjoying every bite. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free treat!
Created by: Isobel Fairfax
Recipe Type: Wholesome Healthy Meals Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Gently toss them to mix without mashing the avocados.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add the crumbled feta cheese and nuts, if using, and give it a final gentle toss.
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice to the salad or using mint leaves for garnish. Make sure to choose ripe avocados for optimal creaminess.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 3g