Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad Recipe

Fresh Blackberry & Avocado Arugula Salad Recipe For Summer

Crafting a refreshing blackberry salad brings unexpected delight to your midday meal.

Summer’s bounty shines through crisp, peppery greens and creamy fruit.

Vibrant colors dance across the plate, promising a sensory adventure.

Arugula’s sharp bite perfectly complements sweet blackberries and smooth avocado chunks.

Seasonal ingredients create magic when carefully combined with simple techniques.

Nutrients pack a powerful punch in this light, elegant dish.

Savor each remarkable bite and feel nourished from the inside out.

FAQs for Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad

  • Can I substitute the arugula with another leafy green?

Yes, you can use spinach or mixed salad greens for a similar fresh taste and texture.

  • Is feta cheese essential for this salad?

While feta adds a tangy flavor, you can replace it with goat cheese or skip cheese altogether if desired.

  • How do I choose ripe avocados for this recipe?

Select avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. They should have a dark, even color without soft spots.

  • Are sliced almonds necessary for this salad?

Almonds provide a nice crunch, but you can use other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or omit them if you prefer a nut-free version.

What Makes Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad Special

  • Boost Your Nutrition: Packed with heart-healthy avocados, antioxidant-rich blackberries, and peppery arugula, this salad delivers a powerful nutritional punch in every delightful bite.
  • Craft a Gourmet Experience: Elevate your meal with restaurant-quality ingredients that blend creamy feta, crunchy almonds, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Toss ingredients together in minutes, making this salad perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings when you want something fresh and delicious.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties, this salad appeals to health-conscious foodies and flavor enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients for Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad

Fresh Produce:
  • Blackberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add a burst of flavor to the salad.
  • Avocado: Creamy fruit that provides a rich and smooth texture.
  • Arugula: Peppery green that offers a light and fresh base for the salad.
Cheese and Nuts:
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a salty dimension.
  • Sliced Almonds: Crunchy nuts that bring a nutty texture and extra protein.
Dressing:
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette: A classic dressing that combines tangy and sweet flavors to enhance the salad's overall taste.

How to Assemble Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad

Step 1: Create Flavor Foundation

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and gently layer in your fresh ingredients:
  • Ripe blackberries
  • Creamy avocado chunks
  • Peppery arugula leaves
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sliced crunchy almonds

Step 2: Dress and Blend

Pour the balsamic vinaigrette smoothly across the salad ingredients. Using soft tossing motions, delicately mix everything so each component gets a beautiful coating of tangy dressing. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed without crushing the delicate berries.

Step 3: Plate and Savor

Transfer the vibrant salad onto serving plates, allowing the colors and textures to create an appetizing visual. Present immediately while the ingredients remain crisp and the flavors are at their peak. This salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery notes that will excite your taste buds.

Pro Tips for Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad

  • Swap feta for vegan cheese to make this salad dairy-free and plant-based friendly.
  • Massage arugula leaves gently with olive oil to reduce bitterness and soften texture.
  • Toast almonds briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
  • Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain fresh, vibrant appearance.
  • Use ripe, sweet blackberries for the best balance of flavors in this refreshing salad.

Variations to Refresh Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad

  • Summer Berry Boost: Add fresh raspberries and blueberries for a colorful and antioxidant-rich salad with extra fruity notes.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern inspired version.
  • Protein Power Salad: Top with grilled chicken strips or seared salmon to transform the salad into a complete, hearty meal.
  • Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Swap sliced almonds with toasted pine nuts or candied walnuts for a different textural and flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salad's tangy blackberries and peppery arugula, cutting through the creamy avocado and enhancing the overall freshness.
  • Contrast with Crusty Bread: Serve a rustic sourdough or ciabatta slice alongside the salad, allowing guests to soak up the balsamic vinaigrette and add a delightful textural crunch.
  • Elevate with Chilled Protein: Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp to transform this light salad into a more substantial meal, introducing a protein element that balances the delicate flavors.

Storage Advice for Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad

  • Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing separate to prevent wilting.
  • Keep arugula, blackberries, and avocado in different sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Before serving stored salad, drain any excess liquid, gently toss ingredients, and add fresh almonds for crunch.
  • Do not freeze this salad, as avocado and fresh greens will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.
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Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad Recipe

Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Delightful summer salad “Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula” combines fresh ingredients with zesty flavors. Crisp arugula meets sweet blackberries and creamy avocado, offering you a refreshing culinary adventure perfect for warm days.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups arugula
  • 2 cups blackberries
  • 1 avocado, diced

Cheese and Nuts:

  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

  1. Arrange fresh arugula leaves as a vibrant green base on a serving platter, creating a delicate foundation for the salad.
  2. Carefully slice ripe avocado into smooth, elegant wedges, distributing them evenly across the arugula.
  3. Gently scatter plump blackberries throughout the salad, allowing their deep purple color to contrast beautifully with the green leaves.
  4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the surface, ensuring an even distribution of tangy, creamy elements.
  5. Delicately toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes at medium heat until they release a golden, nutty aroma.
  6. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette in a light, circular motion over the entire salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a subtle coating.
  7. Use soft tongs to lightly toss the ingredients, maintaining the integrity of the delicate avocado and berries.
  8. Serve immediately at room temperature to preserve the fresh, crisp textures and vibrant flavors of the ingredients.

Notes

  • Gently handle blackberries to prevent bruising and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Toast almonds lightly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
  • Substitute feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that still provides a tangy, savory element.
  • Prep ingredients just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and prevent avocado from browning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 355 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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