Blackberry Avocado Salad
Description:
This Blackberry Avocado Salad is a refreshing, colorful, and nutrient-packed dish perfect for warm weather. It combines juicy blackberries, creamy avocado, peppery arugula (or greens of choice), tangy feta cheese, and a honey-lime vinaigrette. It’s light yet satisfying, and makes an excellent side dish or a main when paired with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2–3 (side) or 1–2 (main)
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 cups fresh arugula or spring mix
1 ripe avocado, diced
¾ cup fresh blackberries
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Fresh mint or basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Honey Lime Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, add the arugula or greens. Top with sliced avocado, blackberries, red onion, and crumbled feta. Sprinkle with nuts if using.
Dress and serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – approx. for 2 servings):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~280 kcal
Protein ~5 g
Carbohydrates ~17 g
Dietary Fiber ~6 g
Sugars ~8 g
Fat ~22 g
Saturated Fat ~5 g
Sodium ~250 mg
Potassium ~500 mg
Vitamin C ~30% DV
Calcium ~10% DV
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen blackberries?
A: Fresh is best for texture, but you can use thawed frozen blackberries. Pat them dry to avoid sogginess.
Q: What greens can I substitute for arugula?
A: Baby spinach, kale (massaged), or mixed spring greens work well.
Q: How can I make it vegan?
A: Replace feta with vegan cheese or omit it and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the ingredients and dressing separately. Combine and add avocado and dressing just before serving to prevent browning.
Q: What proteins go well with this salad?
A: Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or quinoa are great additions for a heartier meal.