Why Make This Recipe
Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and beautiful colors. It’s simple to make and packed with nutrients. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as a refreshing snack. The combination of creamy avocado, sweet blackberries, and crunchy pecans makes this salad both tasty and satisfying. Plus, the honey lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty kick that ties everything together.
How to Make Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (pickled or raw)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (or walnuts)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Make the Vinaigrette: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, blackberries, avocado slices, onion, cheese, and pecans.
- Dress It Up: Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad. Finish with a pinch of cracked pepper for contrast.
- Serve: Plate in individual bowls or a large serving dish. Enjoy immediately for best texture!
How to Serve Blackberry & Avocado Salad
This salad can be served in individual bowls or as a large platter for sharing. It’s a perfect addition to any meal or can stand alone as a light bite. You can add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if you like.
How to Store Blackberry & Avocado Salad
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to keep the vinaigrette separate until you are ready to eat. This way, the salad stays fresh and the greens do not get soggy.
Tips to Make Blackberry & Avocado Salad
- Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
- Toast your nuts in a pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less honey.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for added freshness.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding different fruits and nuts. Try adding sliced strawberries, peaches, or even apples. Instead of pecans, you can use almonds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blackberries?
- Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but fresh ones will give a better taste and texture.
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Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance by keeping the vinaigrette separate until serving.
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What can I use instead of goat cheese?
- If you don’t like goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 piece avocado, sliced Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries Fresh is best, but frozen can be used.
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced Can be pickled or used raw.
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta Substitute with blue cheese for a stronger flavor if desired.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (or walnuts) Toast nuts in a pan to enhance flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey Adjust the sweetness as desired.
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Vinaigrette
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble Salad
- In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, blackberries, avocado slices, onion, cheese, and pecans.
Dress It Up
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad. Finish with a pinch of cracked pepper for contrast.
Serve
- Plate in individual bowls or a large serving dish. Enjoy immediately for best texture!