Avocado Strawberry Salad
Highlighted under: Balanced Kitchen
I love making Avocado Strawberry Salad because it brings together the creamy richness of avocados and the sweet juiciness of strawberries in the most delightful way. Every bite is a burst of flavor, complemented by a light citrus dressing that elevates the freshness. This salad is not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect dish for a summer meal or a light lunch. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just treating myself, this salad always hits the spot.
When I first tried Avocado Strawberry Salad at a friend's gathering, I couldn't believe how well the flavors melded together. The rich creaminess of the avocado paired with the bright sweetness of the strawberries made my taste buds dance. I decided to recreate it at home, tweaking the dressing to include fresh lime juice and a hint of honey. This small addition brought the dish to life and highlighted the natural flavors beautifully.
The best part is how quick it is to prepare. Just chop the ingredients, whip up the dressing, and toss everything together in a bowl. It’s a colorful addition to any meal, and I often serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a light standalone dish. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make this salad again and again!
You'll Love This Salad Because:
- The combination of creamy avocado and sweet strawberries is simply irresistible.
- Bright, zesty dressing enhances the fresh flavors beautifully.
- Perfect for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying.
Choosing the Right Avocados and Strawberries
Selecting the right avocados is crucial for achieving the creamy texture that makes this salad stand out. Look for avocados that yield slightly to pressure but are not overly soft, as they should ideally be ripe but still hold their shape when diced. For strawberries, choose bright red berries with a fresh, sweet fragrance. Avoid any that are dull or have a deep, saturated color, as these can indicate overripeness.
Freshness is key in this dish. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute them with ripe peaches or nectarines for a similar sweetness and juicy texture. Ensure that whatever fruit you choose complements the creamy avocados beautifully, maintaining that delightful balance of flavors.
Dressing Tips for the Perfect Flavor Balance
A zesty dressing is what truly brings this salad to life. Ensure you use fresh lime juice for the dressing, as bottled versions can lack the vibrant acidity and brightness that fresh juice provides. If lime is unavailable, lemon juice can serve as a good substitute, but remember it has a slightly different flavor profile that may alter the final taste.
I recommend adjusting the honey based on the sweetness of your strawberries—if they are particularly sweet, you might want to reduce the honey slightly to maintain a balanced flavor. Incorporating a pinch of chili flakes can also elevate the dressing, adding a subtle kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
Ingredients for Avocado Strawberry Salad
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Instructions
How to Make Avocado Strawberry Salad
Prepare the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced strawberries, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Enjoy Your Salad!
Pro Tips
- To keep the avocados from browning, serve the salad shortly after preparing. If needed, you can add a splash of extra lime juice to preserve their color.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Dice the avocados and prepare the dressing in advance, but be cautious—avocados will brown after being cut. To slow this process, toss the diced avocados in a little lime juice before storing. You can also keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you're making this salad for a gathering, consider keeping the ingredients separate until just before serving. This way, your strawberries can maintain their juiciness, and the avocados will stay fresh, preventing them from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Avocado Strawberry Salad can be served as a refreshing side dish or as a light meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. For a vegetarian option, sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess and tang that complements the flavors beautifully.
To enhance the aesthetic appeal, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter lined with mixed greens. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans can also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to serve this salad fresh, but if you need to prepare it ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for honey?
Agave syrup or maple syrup can work as great alternatives to honey in this recipe.
→ Are there other fruits that go well in this salad?
Yes! You can also add blueberries, raspberries, or even some sliced peaches for variety.
→ Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be delicious additions for a more filling meal.
Avocado Strawberry Salad
I love making Avocado Strawberry Salad because it brings together the creamy richness of avocados and the sweet juiciness of strawberries in the most delightful way. Every bite is a burst of flavor, complemented by a light citrus dressing that elevates the freshness. This salad is not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect dish for a summer meal or a light lunch. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just treating myself, this salad always hits the spot.
Created by: Elara Kensington
Recipe Type: Balanced Kitchen
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced strawberries, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Extra Tips
- To keep the avocados from browning, serve the salad shortly after preparing. If needed, you can add a splash of extra lime juice to preserve their color.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 3g