Name: Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486455H28M30S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Salad: 5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach, ½ avocado, sliced, ½ cup fresh blackberries, ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta, ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced, Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; For the Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh, creamy, and vibrant, this Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. A delicious combination of ripe blackberries, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette creates a refreshing salad that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal.

Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers a variety of textures and flavors that work wonderfully together. The sweet, tart blackberries contrast beautifully with the creamy avocado, while the crumbled goat cheese or feta adds a rich, tangy flavor. Toasted pecans or walnuts give it an extra crunch, and the honey lemon vinaigrette ties it all together with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes. It’s quick to prepare, light, yet satisfying, and perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
½ avocado, sliced
½ cup fresh blackberries
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Arrange mixed greens or spinach, sliced avocado, blackberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, and toasted pecans or walnuts on a plate or in a bowl.
Drizzle the honey lemon vinaigrette over the top just before serving.
Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Cheese Substitute: Swap goat cheese for feta, blue cheese, or even Parmesan if you prefer.
Nuts Swap: Pecans and walnuts are great choices, but you could also use almonds, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds for crunch.
Berries: If blackberries are out of season, feel free to substitute them with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different twist.
Greens: You can use any type of greens like arugula, kale, or mixed greens for more variety and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado and berries don’t hold up well in the fridge. However, if you need to store it:

For leftovers: Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens and add it just before serving. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
For the dressing: You can store the vinaigrette in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While the salad is best served fresh, you can prepare most of the ingredients in advance, such as slicing the avocado and preparing the dressing. Store the dressing separately and add it to the salad right before serving.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative. Also, you can replace honey with maple syrup for the vinaigrette.

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Fresh blackberries are ideal for this salad, but if you only have frozen blackberries on hand, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the salad to avoid extra moisture.

Can I substitute the greens?

Yes! Feel free to use arugula, baby kale, or even mixed lettuce if you prefer a different base for your salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the dressing ingredients are gluten-free (they typically are).

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would pair beautifully with this salad to make it a more filling meal.

How do I toast the nuts?

To toast the pecans or walnuts, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them occasionally for about 3-5 minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. You can also toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes.

Can I use a store-bought vinaigrette?

While homemade vinaigrette enhances the flavors of this salad, you can substitute it with any store-bought honey mustard or citrus vinaigrette if you’re short on time.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

To prevent browning, try tossing the sliced avocado in a small amount of lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. Alternatively, you can prepare the avocado last to minimize exposure to air.

Can I serve this salad as a main dish?

Yes, this salad can make a light main dish, especially if you add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Conclusion

This Blackberry & Avocado Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Whether as a side dish or a light main course, its combination of fresh ingredients, creamy avocado, tangy dressing, and crunchy nuts will surely please your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious salad for a quick, healthy meal that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!