Strawberry Avocado Salad
Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a vibrant, nutritious, and absolutely delicious Strawberry Avocado Salad. This fresh strawberry avocado spinach salad recipe with feta cheese combines sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a healthy dinner option, this salad delivers on all fronts.
The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Juicy ripe strawberries provide natural sweetness, creamy avocado adds richness, crisp spinach offers freshness, and tangy feta cheese brings just the right amount of saltiness. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its sweet-tart complexity. This salad is not only packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats but also comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive enough for special occasions.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍽️ Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and crisp spinach create a symphony of flavors
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal preparation
- ✨ Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Appeals to both adults and children with its sweet and savory profile
Strawberry Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup sliced almonds or pecans
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sliced almonds or pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach. Arrange the sliced strawberries, cubed avocado, and thinly sliced red onion over the spinach.
- Add cheese and nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad, followed by the toasted almonds or pecans.
- Dress and toss: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Serve immediately: Divide the salad among four plates or serve family-style. This fresh strawberry avocado spinach salad recipe with feta cheese is best enjoyed immediately while ingredients are crisp.
💡 CHEF’S TIP: To keep the avocado from browning, toss the cubed avocado with a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice before adding to the salad. For extra flavor, you can also toast the nuts with a pinch of sea salt and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strawberry avocado salad ahead of time?
Yes, with some preparation tips. You can prepare the dressing, wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries and red onion, and toast the nuts up to a day in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
What can I substitute for feta cheese in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, several alternatives work beautifully. Goat cheese crumbles offer a similar tangy profile, while fresh mozzarella pearls provide a milder flavor. For vegan options, try dairy-free feta alternatives or marinated tofu cubes. Toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds can also add texture and protein.
How do I choose the best avocados for this salad?
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed in the palm of your hand—they should feel firm but give a little. Avoid avocados with dark sunken spots or cracks. If your avocados are too firm, store them in a paper bag with a banana or apple at room temperature for 1-2 days to speed up ripening.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Avocado Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh
