Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant strawberry avocado salad – a delightful dance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that will redefine your salad expectations.
Curious about the secret ingredient and the dressing that elevates this dish to the next level? Keep reading to unlock the secrets to salad perfection!
The Appeal of Strawberries and Avocados
Okay, let's explore into the deliciousness of strawberries and what makes them so irresistible in salads! I think it's their bright, sweet flavor, don't you? They're not just pretty, they're healthy too!
Now, think about avocados. Creamy, rich, and oh-so-smooth – they're the perfect counterpoint to the strawberry's sugary zing.
Seriously, it's like a party in your mouth! The mix of sweet and savory is just… chef's kiss! Plus, avocados are packed with healthy fats – a feel-good food, for sure.
We aren't just throwing anything in here, though. It is important to get the ingredients right, or it may become inedible. Can you just imagine that?! So, to enhance the combination, a poppy seed dressing can incorporate flavors like honey and apple cider vinegar.
Ingredient Selection
Given the symphony of flavors we're creating—sweet strawberries and creamy avocados—the next step is all about picking the right ingredients! Start with the strawberries. I always aim for fresh, plump ones that smell amazing; it's like a sneak peek of the deliciousness to come! The all-purpose flour used in a strawberry crumble also comes in handy for thickening other desserts.
Next up, the avocados! You want ripe ones that yield to gentle pressure; otherwise, they're hard as rocks, and nobody wants that. I suggest getting 2-3 avocados for a perfect creaminess-to-strawberry ratio. It depends on how 'avo-crazy' you are feeling!
Don't forget the pecans! For that delightful crunch, grab about 1 cup—roughly chopped or whole, your call. Brown sugar for the candied pecans, about 2 tablespoons, gives it that extra special sweet touch. Trust me, it's worth it and will make you want to skip dinner and eat this salad!
Assembling the Salad
Now, we're diving into assembling this fantastic salad! I usually start with a big bowl—you'll need one!
First, gently toss 4 cups of baby spinach with half of your sliced strawberries—that's about 8 large ones. Drizzle it with *just* a bit of that yummy Strawberry Balsamic Dressing. Don't drown it; we just want a light coating!
Next, transfer everything to a serving bowl. It's okay if it looks a little messy; it adds charm, don't you think?
After that, arrange the remaining strawberry slices—the other half, remember?—on top. Now, for more dressing. Drizzle it on, more generously this time. Not *too* much, or it'll be a strawberry soup!
Finally, crumble about 2 to 3.5 ounces of blue cheese over the top. I'm usually quite generous with the blue cheese, myself. Throw in the candied pecans, and that is that!
Serving Suggestions
I always serve this strawberry salad immediately to keep everything fresh and vibrant—nobody wants soggy spinach! Toss the spinach and half the sliced strawberries in a bowl with a drizzle of that amazing dressing.
Gently toss those greens and berries, then transfer them to a serving bowl. Looks good, doesn't it? Now, top it with the remaining strawberries!
Drizzle more dressing…go on, you know you want to. Crumble the blue cheese over the top – don't be shy, unless you *are* shy about cheese, haha!
Finally, scatter those candied pecans all over. I usually serve it right away, with extra dressing on the side. It's gone in minutes, I'm telling you! Enjoy every yummy, crunchy, cheesy—strawberry bite!
Short Recipe Version
Strawberry Avocado Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (for pecans)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 6 oz mixed greens
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup candied pecans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- If making candied pecans, prepare them now. Otherwise skip to step 2.
- Combine mixed greens, strawberries, avocado, and red onion in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine..
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and candied pecans before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g