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Hello, salad lovers! If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s bursting with flavors, textures, and nutrients, this Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad is perfect. It combines the peppery taste of arugula with juicy blackberries, creamy avocado, and a touch of crunch from toasted hazelnuts, all topped off with a zesty lime mint vinaigrette. This salad is as delicious as it is beautiful—ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Introduction
This Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad celebrates the best of fresh produce, mixing sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors for a salad that’s anything but ordinary. The lime mint vinaigrette adds a refreshing finish, while vegan feta brings a delightful, slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. It’s an easy salad to prepare and works wonderfully for vegan, gluten-free, or plant-based diets (or swap in regular feta for a non-vegan option).
Ingredients
To prepare this fresh and vibrant Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad, you’ll need:
Produce:
- 5 cups arugula
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup blackberries
- 3/4 cup blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups cucumber, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Condiments:
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Baking & Spices:
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Nuts & Seeds:
- 1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Dairy (optional):
- 1/3 cup vegan or regular feta, crumbled
Optional Additions:
- Swap hazelnuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.
- Add a handful of sliced strawberries for extra sweetness and color.
How to Make Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad
Follow these steps to make this delicious and nutritious salad:
- Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chopped fresh mint and whisk again until the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, add the arugula, blackberries, blueberries, cucumber, and diced avocado.
- Gently toss the ingredients to distribute the berries and avocado evenly throughout the salad.
- Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts and feta (if using) over the top of the salad.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the lime mint vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat the ingredients with the dressing, being careful not to mash the berries or avocado.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, wait until just before serving to dress the salad to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Helpful Tips
- Toasting Hazelnuts: Toasting hazelnuts brings out their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re golden and fragrant.
- Ripe Avocado: Use a perfectly ripe avocado for a creamy texture that complements the tartness of the berries and arugula.
Serving Suggestions
This Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal
- Crusty bread to scoop up every bite of salad and dressing
- Chilled white wine or sparkling water with a lime wedge for a refreshing pairing
Nutritional Information
Calories: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 370mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 25% DV
- Vitamin C: 40% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store undressed salad and vinaigrette separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep Fresh: If storing leftovers, add avocado and dressing only when ready to serve, as these ingredients don’t hold well once combined with the salad.
Leftover Idea: Layer leftover salad in a wrap with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a delicious handheld meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen berries?
A: Fresh berries are best for texture, but if you only have frozen, thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the ingredients ahead but store the dressing separately. Add the avocado and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
Q: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas would all be great protein additions to make this salad more filling.
Related Recipes
For more fresh and fruity salads, check out:
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
- Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad as much as we do! It’s a fresh, flavorful way to make the most of seasonal ingredients. Perfect as a side or a light meal, this salad is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. Let us know how it turns out, and feel free to share your creative twists. Enjoy! 🥗