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Fresh Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad

Fresh Blackberry Avocado Arugula Salad - featured image

A quick and easy nutrient-dense salad combining sweet-tart blackberries, creamy avocado, and peppery arugula with a perfectly balanced dressing. Ideal for a light lunch or side dish that supports healthy eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries (about 150g)
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 4 cups arugula (about 120g)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75g) – optional
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (about 30g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels.
  2. Rinse the blackberries gently under cold water and drain well; set aside on a paper towel.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion; soak in cold water briefly if a milder flavor is desired, then drain.
  4. Dice the avocado carefully, avoiding mashing the flesh.
  5. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden; remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Make the dressing by combining lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar; whisk or shake until emulsified.
  7. In a large bowl, combine arugula, blackberries, avocado, and red onion; drizzle dressing over and toss gently to coat without breaking up the avocado.
  8. Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted nuts on top just before serving.

Notes

Keep dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess and browning of avocado. Use a sharp knife to avoid mashing avocado. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Adjust honey/maple syrup to balance sweetness. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackberry salad, avocado salad, arugula salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, clean eating, gluten-free salad, vegan option