Why Make This Recipe
Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal. This salad is not only vibrant and colorful, but it also combines sweet and savory flavors in a delightful way. With the creaminess of avocado, the tartness of blackberries, and the crunch of pecans, this salad offers a mix of textures and tastes that makes it truly special. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious eaters.
How to Make Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and spinach.
- Add the sliced avocado, blackberries, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
This salad is best served fresh. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a more filling meal, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas.
How to Store Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the vinaigrette separate until you are ready to eat. This will help maintain the freshness of the ingredients. The salad is best consumed within one day for maximum flavor and texture.
Tips to Make Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
- Make sure to use ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
- You can toast the pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor, watching them closely to prevent burning.
- Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less honey, based on your taste preference.
Variation
Feel free to customize this salad! You can replace goat cheese with feta cheese or add sliced strawberries for extra sweetness. Add proteins like grilled shrimp or chicken for a more filling meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this salad?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but it’s best to let them thaw and drain excess water before adding them to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
To make this salad vegan, omit the goat cheese and honey, and replace the honey with maple syrup or a vegan sweetener.
How can I make the vinaigrette last longer?
You can prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last for about a week. Just shake it well before using!
Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 unit avocado, sliced Use ripe for creaminess.
- 1 cup blackberries Can use frozen, thawed and drained.
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese Can substitute with feta cheese.
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted Toast in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor.
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and spinach.
- Add the sliced avocado, blackberries, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.