This vibrant and refreshing salad is a beautiful combination of sweet blackberries, creamy avocado, peppery arugula, and crunchy hazelnuts. The flavors blend together perfectly, complemented by a zesty lime-mint vinaigrette that adds a bright and tangy note to the dish. This salad is a perfect light meal on its own or a delightful side dish for any occasion, offering a balance of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 cups arugula
- 1 cup blackberries
- ¾ cup blueberries
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 ½ cups cucumber, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
For the Vinaigrette:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
- ¾ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, blackberries, blueberries, diced avocado, thinly sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted hazelnuts. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup, finely chopped mint, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lime-mint vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the salad to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a fresh, vibrant side dish or light main course. Savor this salad by itself or complement it with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
This Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a refreshing and satisfying crunch. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the juicy berries and tangy feta, while the toasted hazelnuts add a delightful texture. The lime-mint vinaigrette enhances the freshness of the ingredients, making this salad an excellent choice for summer meals, picnics, or a simple, healthy lunch.
Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad with Lime-Mint Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 cups arugula
- 1 cup blackberries
- ¾ cup blueberries
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 ½ cups cucumber thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ⅓ cup toasted hazelnuts roughly chopped
For the Vinaigrette:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or other liquid sweetener
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
- ¾ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, blackberries, blueberries, diced avocado, thinly sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted hazelnuts. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup, finely chopped mint, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lime-mint vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the salad to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a fresh, vibrant side dish or light main course. Savor this salad by itself or complement it with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal.