Avocado Strawberry Salad

Name: Avocado Strawberry Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados, diced; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 4 cups mixed greens (spinach or arugula); 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Natural Ideas

I absolutely love making this Avocado Strawberry Salad, especially during the warmer months. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing truly brightens my day. Not only is this salad incredibly refreshing, but it also packs a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. I often prepare it for family gatherings or simply as a light dinner option. It’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal fruits, and I guarantee it will quickly become a favorite!

Created by

Kendra Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:07:38.750Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of combining strawberries with avocado, I was skeptical. However, after giving it a try, I was completely won over by the vibrant flavors. The creamy texture of the avocado paired with the sweetness of fresh strawberries creates a perfect harmony that is hard to resist. Using a sprinkle of lime juice and a touch of honey really rounds out the taste and enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.

One tip I cherish is to mix the salad just before serving to keep the colors vibrant and the textures distinct. I typically add spinach or arugula for a bit of peppery flavor, but it's versatile enough to experiment with different greens. Try it out at your next picnic; I promise it won’t let you down!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The creamy avocado blends beautifully with sweet, ripe strawberries.
Refreshing and light, perfect for warm days.
Simple ingredients that can be customized with your favorite greens.

Choosing Perfect Avocados and Strawberries

When selecting avocados for this salad, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. Avoid any that are overly soft or have dark spots, as they may be overripe. For the strawberries, choose vibrant red berries with a sweet aroma and a firm texture. Freshness is key, so try to use them within a few days for optimal taste and texture. These selections will ensure a creamy and sweet combination that elevates your salad.

If you can’t find ripe avocados, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two. This method works because these fruits emit ethylene gas, promoting faster ripening. As for strawberries, if you have extra, you can freeze them for smoothies, but for this salad, fresh is best to maintain the crunchy and juicy texture.

Customizing Your Salad

This Avocado Strawberry Salad is highly customizable, allowing you to take advantage of what's in season or to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch or include additional fruits like peaches or blueberries for a delightful twist. You can also swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option—just make sure to adjust the dressing to maintain the salad's flavor balance.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. When you do this, adjust the dressing quantity to ensure that the added protein doesn’t overpower the fresh flavors of the salad. I often suggest marinating the protein in lime juice, garlic, and olive oil before grilling for an extra layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

For best results, prepare this salad just before serving, as avocados can brown quickly when exposed to air. If you need to make it ahead of time, consider preparing each component separately. You can store the cut strawberries and avocados with a little lime juice to slow oxidation, keeping them fresh until you’re ready to mix them with the greens.

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes, making it an excellent side for barbecues or summer dinners. Served chilled, it brightens up a main course beautifully. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the avocados from getting mushy!

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, diced
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
4 cups mixed greens (spinach or arugula)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced strawberries, mixed greens, red onion, and feta cheese.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. You can also substitute the honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly version.

Flavor Profile Exploration

The creamy avocado and sweet strawberries create a delicious contrast that's both satisfying and refreshing. The dressing’s zesty lime and a hint of honey enhance the natural flavors, while the feta offers a salty richness that rounds out the taste profile. Don’t skip the seasoning; a touch of salt elevates the sweetness of the strawberries and brings all the flavors together beautifully.

As the avocado sits in the dressing for a short time, it absorbs the flavors, creating a delicious coating that makes each bite memorable. If you're looking to further enhance the flavor, try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil into the salad for a refreshing twist that brightens up the overall meal.

Making it Ahead

If you're planning to prepare this salad ahead of time for a gathering, consider making the dressing separately and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, making it incredibly convenient for meal prep. Just remember to give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may separate during storage.

You can also prep the salad ingredients and store them in separate containers. To maintain the freshness of the greens, keep them dry and store them at the bottom of your fridge. When ready to serve, simply toss the ingredients together and drizzle on the dressing. This way, you can enjoy the crispy texture of the salad without any wilting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, avocados can be challenging to choose correctly. If you've cut into one and found it brown or mushy, don’t hesitate to discard it. Always have a backup avocado handy in case your first choice isn’t up to par, as they can vary greatly in ripeness. If you end up with leftover salad due to an avocado issue, you could always turn it into a vibrant avocado dip by blending it with the dressing ingredients!

If you’ve made too much dressing, using it as a drizzle over grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables is a great way to avoid waste. It makes for a fantastic flavor enhancer and brings all your meals together. Just be sure to taste and adjust the acidity with more lime or sweetness with honey if necessary!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the avocados from browning.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese, or omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.

→ How can I add more protein to this salad?

Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for an extra protein boost.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients separately and mix them when you're ready to eat.