Strawberry Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Salad is made with simple ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Sliced strawberries are soaked in a tangy lemon dressing, which gives them so much extra flavor. Combine the marinated strawberries with creamy avocado wedges and fresh basil for a simple, seasonal side dish that's ideal for spring and summer. Optional hemp hearts add protein to this plant-based recipe!
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Sweet strawberries and creamy avocado may sound like an unusual pair, but once you try them together, you'll see why this salad is such a hit. The juicy berries soak up a zesty lemon dressing, while avocado brings richness and creaminess that balances every bite. Fresh basil ties everything together with an herby finish.
This strawberry avocado salad makes a fresh and satisfying side dish for spring or summer. Serve it alongside Grilled Vegetable Tofu Skewers, Cranberry Chickpea Salad Sandwiches, or Vegetarian Pesto Pasta with Veggies.
If you're looking for more easy salad ideas, try my Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Feta and Mint, Edamame Crunch Salad with Peanut Dressing, Spring Farro Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing, or Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Chickpeas. I also share more ideas in my roundup of Filling and Easy Vegetarian Salads.
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Ingredients
In this salad, sweet and juicy strawberries balance out the rich and creamy texture of the avocados. Fresh basil and mint add herby flavor. And tart lemon dressing lends brightness, and thanks to the hemp seeds, extra plant-based protein.
Instructions
Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Marinate the strawberries in the dressing.
Mix the salad.
Hint: Marinating (soaking) the strawberries in lemon dressing causes the flavors of the dressing to penetrate the fruit and deepens their flavor.
Substitutions
A few suggestions for ingredient swaps:
- Vegan: Use agave nectar instead of honey, or omit the sweetener completely if preferred.
- Strawberries: Try this with peaches, mango, or blueberries for a different flavor twist.
- Herbs: Use any combination of fresh basil, mint, parsley, or cilantro.
Variations
- Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing: Substitute poppy seeds for the hemp seeds.
- Spinach: Add 2 cups roughly chopped baby spinach to the salad.
- Chickpeas: Add a can of chickpeas to make this salad more filling (drain and rinse them first).
Storage
You can prepare the lemon dressing up to 2 weeks ahead and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. The salad itself is best made fresh, as the avocado tends to brown and strawberries soften over time.
If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Top tip
Wait to slice the avocados and make sure they're fully coated in the lemon dressing to prevent them from browning too quickly.
FAQ
Yes! The sweetness of strawberries pairs surprisingly well with the rich, creamy texture of avocado. Pair them with a lemon dressing for a fresh and flavorful salad.
Beyond salads, try using strawberries and avocados together in smoothies, salsas, or even toast toppings. The sweet-and-creamy pairing works in both sweet and savory recipes.
Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange are classics with avocado. Berries, mango, and peaches also work thanks to their sweet-tart balance.
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Lemon Hemp Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Strawberry Avocado Salad:
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 2 avocados sliced into wedges
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the dressing:
- Whisk olive oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, hemp hearts (if using), mint (if using), honey or agave nectar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Prepare the salad:
- Pour half of the lemon dressing over the sliced strawberries and gently toss until evenly coated. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- Arrange avocado wedges, sliced strawberries, basil, and hemp hearts (if using) on a serving dish. Pour the remaining dressing over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated. Enjoy!
Notes
- Vegan: Use agave nectar instead of honey, or omit the sweetener completely if preferred.
- Making Ahead: The lemon dressing can be prepared up to 2 weeks in advance. Make the salad immediately before serving.
- Storage: Store prepared dressing in an airtight container (such as a jar with lid) and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days if needed. (Coating the avocado in the lemon dressing will slow the browning process.)
- Nutrition facts are estimates only and are calculated with optional ingredients included.
