Description
A refreshing and vibrant Blackberry Salad with creamy avocados, crunchy toasted pecans, tangy goat cheese, and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or radicchio)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- ½ red onion
- ½ cup pecans
- ½ cup goat cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish (thyme recommended)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Peel, stone, and slice the avocados. Wash and dry the blackberries carefully to avoid bruising. Thinly slice the red onion. Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast them until fragrant and lightly browned. Crumble the goat cheese by hand or with a fork.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl or serving platter, combine the mixed greens, sliced avocado, blackberries, sliced red onion, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese evenly, preparing for dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup until well emulsified. Adjust the taste by adding salt and pepper as needed to balance acidity and sweetness.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the assembled salad components. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated and flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Scatter fresh thyme leaves or your chosen herb garnish over the top. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative to honey in the dressing.
- Be gentle when tossing to avoid mashing the avocados and blackberries.
- Toast pecans carefully to prevent burning which can impart bitterness.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and not stored for long periods after dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blackberry salad, avocado salad, fresh greens, goat cheese salad, toasted pecans, healthy salad, lemon dressing, vegetarian salad
