Vibrant Strawberry Avocado Salad with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle
This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite. The sweetness of fresh strawberries pairs perfectly with creamy avocado, while the crunchy water chestnuts and toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. Tossed together in a light balsamic dressing, this salad is refreshing and healthy, ideal for any occasion. For those looking to elevate it, adding cooked prawns transforms this dish into a heartier meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
romaine lettuce
1 head (chopped)
avocado
1 (seeded, peeled and sliced)
strawberries
2 cups (sliced)
water chestnuts
227 ml (drained and sliced)
pecan pieces
1/2 cup (toasted)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
brown sugar
1 tablespoon
vegetable oil
6 tablespoons
shallot
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, sliced strawberries, drained and sliced water chestnuts, and toasted pecan pieces. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3
Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth dressing.
4
Stir in the finely chopped shallot, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly, adding more dressing if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Strawberry Avocado Salad?
The main ingredients include chopped romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries, creamy avocado, water chestnuts, and toasted pecan pieces.
How do I make the balsamic dressing for this salad?
Whisk together balsamic vinegar and brown sugar until dissolved, then slowly drizzle in vegetable oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, adding cooked prawns transforms this salad into a heartier meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Is this Strawberry Avocado Salad recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and balsamic dressing, are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prepare the avocado for the salad?
The avocado should be seeded, peeled, and sliced before being added to the salad bowl.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
The satisfying crunch comes from toasted pecan pieces and drained, sliced water chestnuts.
Can I substitute the brown sugar in the dressing?
While brown sugar is recommended for its sweetness, you could substitute it with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
How do I prevent the avocado from being mashed?
Toss the ingredients gently in a large bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly without damaging the soft avocado slices.
What type of lettuce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one head of chopped romaine lettuce as the base of the salad.
How many strawberries are needed?
You will need 2 cups of fresh strawberries, which should be sliced before assembly.
What is the purpose of adding shallots to the dressing?
Finely chopped shallots add a subtle savory depth to the sweet balsamic dressing.
Can I use a different type of oil for the dressing?
Yes, while vegetable oil is suggested, a light olive oil or avocado oil would also work well.
How much balsamic vinegar is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Should the pecans be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of toasted pecan pieces to enhance their flavor and texture.
Is this salad suitable for summer?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshing summer salad ideal for any occasion.
How do I prepare the water chestnuts?
Use a 227 ml container of water chestnuts, ensure they are drained, and then slice them.
Can I make this salad in advance?
It is best to serve immediately after dressing, but you can prep the ingredients and dressing separately in advance.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette with a hint of savory shallot.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy dish featuring fresh fruits, leafy greens, and heart-healthy fats from avocado and pecans.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor in this salad.
How do I season the salad?
Once the dressing is added, season with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
Can I substitute romaine lettuce?
Yes, you can use spinach or a spring mix if you prefer a different leafy green base.
Is this recipe vegan?
The salad is vegan-friendly, provided the brown sugar you use is processed according to vegan standards.
What is the recommended serving time?
The recipe suggests serving the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing to maintain crispness.
How much oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, feta or goat cheese would be a delicious addition to these flavors.
How do I chop the shallot?
The shallot should be finely chopped so that it incorporates evenly into the balsamic dressing.
What if I don't have pecans?
Toasted walnuts or sliced almonds would be excellent substitutes for the pecans.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, its fusion of sweet fruit and crunchy textures makes it a popular choice for families.
How do I ensure the sugar dissolves in the dressing?
Whisk the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar together first before adding any oil to ensure full dissolution.