This Fresh Strawberry Avocado Salad is a colorful and tasty treat! With juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy greens, it’s a hit for lunch or as a side at dinner.
Honestly, it’s like a party on your plate! You just toss everything together with a simple dressing, and voila! I love enjoying it on warm days when freshness is key. 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Baby spinach is great for its tender leaves. If you don’t have it, mixed greens, arugula, or even kale can work. Just remember, kale needs a quick massage to soften it up.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, try using raspberries or blueberries instead for a different fruity twist.
Avocado: The creamy avocado is key for texture. If you’re allergic or just not a fan, you could replace it with sliced peaches or apples for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
Pecans: These add a nice crunch! Walnuts or almonds are good substitutes if you want a change. If you want a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
Quinoa: This is optional but nutritious. For a gluten-free grain, use cooked farro or brown rice instead. You could leave it out entirely if preferred!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Stays Fresh?
To keep your salad fresh, especially if you’re preparing it ahead of time, follow these tips:
- **Keep ingredients separate**: Store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat. This prevents the greens from getting soggy.
- **Add avocado last**: If you’re making it in advance, slice the avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
- **Use airtight containers**: If using leftovers, place them in airtight containers to maintain freshness for a day or two.
By following these steps, your salad will maintain its bright and fresh flavor!
Fresh Strawberry Avocado Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (or mixed greens)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa (optional, for added texture and nutrition)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is super quick and easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep time. Just wash, chop, and mix everything together, and you’ll be ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach leaves. Then, gently add the sliced strawberries, avocado slices, cucumber slices, chopped pecans, and cooked quinoa if you’re using it. This colorful mix is what makes the salad so appealing!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until everything is well blended to create a delicious dressing that will brighten up your salad.
3. Combine and Toss:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. With clean hands or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado while tossing!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Fresh Strawberry Avocado Salad immediately for the best flavor and freshness. Enjoy it as a light lunch or as a delightful side dish with dinner!
This salad is a fantastic combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and toasted pecans, all drizzled with a light lemony dressing. You’ll love how refreshing and delicious it is!
FAQ for Fresh Strawberry Avocado Salad
Can I Use Other Greens Instead of Spinach?
Absolutely! You can substitute spinach with mixed greens, arugula, or kale. If using kale, give it a quick massage to soften the leaves before adding it to the salad.
How Can I Store Leftover Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Remember to keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens! You can add the dressing just before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
If you don’t have pecans or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. For a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that nice crunch!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time but it’s best to keep them separate and add the dressing just before serving. Slice the avocado right before serving to minimize browning!
