why make this recipe
Blackberry Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is a delicious and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy avocado, sweet blackberries, and tangy goat cheese creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a simple way to enjoy fresh ingredients and can be served as a light meal or side dish.
how to make Blackberry Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
- Assemble salad: Layer greens, avocado, blackberries, goat cheese, pecans, and onions in a bowl.
- Drizzle & Finish: Add vinaigrette just before serving. Sprinkle with black pepper and enjoy!
how to serve Blackberry Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Serve this salad immediately after assembling to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. It’s perfect as a light lunch on its own or as a colorful side dish with grilled meats. You can also serve it with a warm piece of bread for a complete meal.
how to store Blackberry Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
If you have leftovers, store the salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the vinaigrette in a separate container. This way, the greens stay crisp, and the avocado doesn’t brown too quickly. When ready to eat, simply reassemble the salad and drizzle with vinaigrette.
tips to make Blackberry Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
- Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- If you don’t have fresh blackberries, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or strawberries.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
variation
You can turn this salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. For a vegan version, skip the goat cheese and replace it with your favorite plant-based cheese.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to keep it fresh. However, you can chop the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
You can use feta cheese, mozzarella, or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option.
How long will leftovers last?
The salad is best eaten fresh. If stored separately, the greens should last 1-2 days in the fridge. The vinaigrette can last up to a week.
Blackberry Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 piece ripe avocado, sliced Use ripe avocados for creamy texture.
- 1 cup fresh blackberries Substitute with other berries if needed.
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled Can be substituted with feta, mozzarella, or omitted.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans Toast pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor.
- 1/4 piece red onion, thinly sliced
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Vinaigrette
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
Assemble Salad
- Layer greens, avocado, blackberries, goat cheese, pecans, and onions in a bowl.
Drizzle & Finish
- Add vinaigrette just before serving. Sprinkle with black pepper and enjoy!