Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad

Published: August 10, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of total time needed, this salad is perfect for busy days.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with antioxidants from blackberries and healthy fats from avocados, this salad supports your health.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or bring it to a potluck.
Refreshing Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet blackberries and zesty lime vinaigrette creates a delicious balance.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the nuts or cheese based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation seamless, gather your tools beforehand. Having everything ready will ensure that you can whip up this salad in no time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Whisk
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Whisk: Essential for ensuring the dressing is well combined and emulsified for better flavor distribution.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps you toss all ingredients together without spilling them over.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables easier, ensuring clean cuts for better presentation.

Ingredients

This summery salad makes the most of fresh produce with an arugula base, fresh blackberries, blueberries, cucumber, avocado, hazelnuts, feta and a lime mint vinaigrette.

For the Salad

5 cups arugula
1 cup blackberries
3/4 cup blueberries
1 avocado, diced
1 ½ cups cucumber, sliced thinly
1/3 cup feta cheese
1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts

For the Vinaigrette

1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
3/4 tsp salt
Pepper

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup, chopped mint, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add the arugula as the base.
Layer in the blackberries, blueberries, diced avocado, sliced cucumber, feta cheese, and toasted hazelnuts.

Step 3: Toss with Vinaigrette

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the assembled salad ingredients.
Gently toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately for optimal freshness. Enjoy!

How to Serve Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad

This refreshing Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful salad.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken adds protein and enhances the salad’s flavors, making it a satisfying main dish.

Serve with Crusty Bread

A slice of crusty bread complements the salad beautifully, perfect for soaking up the vinaigrette.

Add to a Brunch Spread

This salad makes an excellent addition to a brunch buffet, offering a fresh and vibrant option among heavier dishes.

Top with Quinoa

Adding cooked quinoa can boost the nutritional value, making this salad even heartier while maintaining its lightness.

Present in Individual Bowls

Serving the salad in individual bowls can elevate your dining experience, making it feel more special.

How to Perfect Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad

Creating the perfect Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for an exquisite dish every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh arugula and ripe avocados will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more maple syrup to balance the tartness of the blackberries.
Toast hazelnuts lightly: Toasting brings out their flavor; just a few minutes in a dry skillet can make a big difference.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with cheese: Try goat cheese or blue cheese as alternatives to feta for different taste profiles.
Add seasonal fruits: Incorporate other fruits like peaches or strawberries when they’re in season for added variety.

Best Side Dishes for Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Consider these great options:

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of berries.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness works well alongside the tangy dressing of the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A simple quinoa pilaf can add texture and make your meal more filling.
Pesto Pasta: The herbaceous notes from pesto pasta create an exciting flavor combination with the salad.
Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters bring crunch and richness, balancing out the freshness of your salad.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or beans can be a hearty side that complements this light dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few important details that can affect the taste and presentation of your dish.

Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can ruin the salad’s freshness. Always choose fresh arugula, ripe avocados, and plump blackberries for the best flavor.
Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much vinaigrette can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and toss gently, adding more as needed to coat the ingredients lightly.
Not Balancing Flavors: If you skip the sweetener in the vinaigrette, you may miss out on a well-rounded flavor. Adjusting sweetness with maple syrup or another sweetener helps balance acidity.
Ignoring Texture Variety: A salad without varied textures can be unexciting. Include crunchy hazelnuts and creamy avocado to enhance texture and keep it interesting.
Making it Too Ahead of Time: Preparing the salad too early can lead to wilting. Assemble just before serving for maximum crispness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store your salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Containers: Use an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent moisture loss.
Ingredients Separation: Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain texture.

Freezing Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad

Not Recommended: Freezing this salad is not advisable due to its delicate ingredients like arugula and avocado which do not freeze well.

Reheating Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. This is ideal for warming up leftover roasted components if used.
Microwave: Heat on low for 30 seconds intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overheat as it can wilt greens quickly.
Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, warm components gently while stirring frequently. Avoid direct heat on delicate greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad.

Can I use other greens instead of arugula?

Yes! You can substitute spinach or mixed greens if you prefer a milder flavor. Each green brings its own unique taste.

How can I customize my Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad?

Feel free to add extras like grilled chicken for protein or swap hazelnuts for walnuts or almonds based on preference.

What dressing works best with this salad?

The lime mint vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this salad but feel free to experiment with other dressings like balsamic or honey mustard!

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain freshness throughout the week.

What are some good sides to serve with this salad?

This salad complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or even soups perfectly for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

The Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that celebrate fresh ingredients. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences or what’s in season. Don’t hesitate to try out different toppings or dressings! Enjoy this delightful dish as a healthy lunch or a vibrant side at dinner.

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