If you are craving a refreshing, colorful salad that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors, the Strawberry Avocado Salad with Pecan-Feta Dressing Recipe is your new go-to. Bursting with vibrant spring mix, juicy strawberries, buttery avocado, tangy feta, and toasted pecans, this salad feels like a celebration in every bite. The pecan-feta dressing is an absolute showstopper, bringing a delightful nutty and savory twist that elevates each ingredient. It’s simple enough for a quick lunch yet elegant enough to impress at weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s contributing bright color, fresh texture, or bold flavor. These simple ingredients come together in a way that feels spontaneous but is truly well thought out.
- Spring mix salad greens: A tender and varied base that adds freshness and a vibrant green hue.
- Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, they provide a burst of natural sugar and beautiful red color.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, it mellows the salad and adds a luscious texture.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for a slightly salty, tangy bite that balances the sweetness.
- Pecans: Toasted to deepen their flavor, they bring a satisfying crunch and warm nuttiness.
- Olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, giving it smoothness and richness.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides a sharp acidity to brighten every forkful.
- Honey (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to harmonize the dressing.
- Poppy seeds: Tiny bursts of texture with a mild nutty flavor, enhancing the salad’s complexity.
- Ground mustard: A subtle spice that rounds out the dressing’s profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that ties all the other flavors together.
How to Make Strawberry Avocado Salad with Pecan-Feta Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the pecans. Toss them around for 3 to 4 minutes until they become fragrant and develop a rich toasted aroma. This step intensifies their natural nuttiness, making them much more flavorful in the salad. Once toasted, remove them from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a roomy salad bowl, layer your spring mix salad greens, quartered or sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and the now cooled, toasted pecans. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for that perfect bite every time.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey if you’re using it, poppy seeds, ground mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing becomes emulsified and nicely blended, bringing together the acidity, sweetness, and spice.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour your pecan-feta dressing over the salad ingredients, then gently toss the entire mixture until every leaf and fruit slice is lightly coated. The dressing clings beautifully to the creaminess of avocado and the crunchiness of pecans, marrying every flavor into one irresistible bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Salad with Pecan-Feta Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans or a few whole strawberries on top just before serving. A little drizzle of honey over the finished salad can also enhance the sweetness to perfection.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, creating a light but satisfying meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside warm crusty bread or a savory quiche for a lovely balance of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, try serving the Strawberry Avocado Salad with Pecan-Feta Dressing Recipe in individual glass bowls or mason jars. Layer the ingredients and dressing separately, then toss right before eating. You can also add edible flowers or microgreens for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing components separately. Keep the greens and toppings in an airtight container and the dressing in a small jar in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of the greens, avocado, and dressing ingredients. For the best flavor and texture, avoid freezing.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This salad shines brightest served cold or at room temperature. Just toss it gently and enjoy the fresh flavors anytime.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work beautifully and offer their own unique crunch and flavor, though toasted pecans are the classic choice.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can whisk up the pecan-feta dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before drizzling onto your salad.
What if I don’t have poppy seeds on hand?
No worries! The poppy seeds add texture and mild flavor, but you can omit them or substitute with chia seeds or sesame seeds for a similar effect.
How do I keep avocado from browning in the salad?
To slow browning, prepare the salad right before serving and toss with dressing quickly. Alternatively, toss the avocado with a bit of lemon or lime juice to help retain its vibrant green color.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Salad with Pecan-Feta Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring joy to the table. It’s fresh, vibrant, and full of flavors that surprise you in the best way. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a stunning side dish, this salad is an absolute delight that I hope you will make and cherish as much as I do.
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Strawberry Avocado Salad with Pecan-Feta Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Avocado Salad featuring a mix of spring greens, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a light poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, nutritious, and colorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups spring mix salad greens
- 3 cups strawberries, quartered or sliced
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
- Pinch of salt and pepper, or more to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Add the chopped pecans to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the pecans are toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the spring mix salad greens, quartered or sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), poppy seeds, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- To toast pecans evenly, keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Honey in the dressing is optional—omit for a less sweet and lower sugar version.
- Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushiness in the salad.
- Dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- For added zest, a squeeze of lemon juice can be added to the dressing.
