This strawberry arugula salad recipe is a quick, refreshing mix of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy pecans, finished with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. It's easy to assemble, full of healthy fats, and ideal as a light dinner, side dish, or perfect summer salad for entertaining. Made with fresh fruit and finished in just 15 minutes, this is a delicious salad you'll want to revisit all season long.
Whether you're serving it at a bridal shower, summer cookout, or as a light dinner with grilled chicken breast, this is the perfect salad for the season.
This recipe is part of my growing collection of summer recipes where you can find a multitude of other salad recipes made with seasonal ingredients. Try this Mediterranean Eggplant Salad, this Classic Caprese Salad or this Cucumber Tomato Salad .
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Why These Ingredients Work Together
This salad hits all the right notes:
- Crunch and contrast from toasted pecans or sunflower seeds
- Sweetness from fresh strawberries
- Bitterness from peppery greens like arugula
- Healthy fats from avocado and nuts
- Acidity from lemon juice
Ingredient Insights You Didn't Know You Needed
- Fresh arugula: Baby arugula is milder than wild varieties. A salad spinner is your best friend here, removing excess water helps the vinaigrette stick.
- Sweet strawberries: Choose smaller, fragrant berries with fully red tips. They're a great example of how fresh fruit brings natural sweetness to savory salads.
- Avocados: A ripe but firm Hass avocado is perfect. Store any cut avocado in an airtight container with lemon or vinegar to prevent browning.
- Red onion or green onions: Either works. Red onion offers boldness while green onions keep it mild. Slice thinly and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
- Crunchy pecans or other nuts: Try walnuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or even hemp seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese (optional): Creamy goat cheese, tangy goat cheese, feta cheese, or even parmesan cheese add richness and salt. Blue cheese works for a bolder twist.
Pro Tips
- If using feta, crumble it over the salad just before serving to maintain texture.
- Use a large salad bowl to gently toss without bruising the greens or avocado.
- Toast nuts in a small skillet over low heat, it makes a world of difference.
- Want a sweeter vinaigrette? Add a touch of maple syrup or poppy seeds for contrast.
- Make the dressing in a mason jar or small jar and shake until emulsified. Store leftovers in the fridge.
Creative Ways to Serve This Salad
- As a side salad with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a savory ham and potato quiche.
- Turn it into a green salad main dish by topping with grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or seared tofu.
- Serve at a bridal shower or brunch as part of a spread with other summer salads.
- Pair with crusty bread and a chilled white wine or rosé for a light meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Keep each component separate until ready to serve.
- Store cleaned greens wrapped in a kitchen towel or paper towel inside an airtight container.
- Prep your homemade balsamic vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead.
- Avoid dressing the salad early - the fresh greens will wilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but keep everything separate. Slice avocado last and toss just before serving.
Yes. Try baby spinach, spring greens, or a mix that includes leafy green mustard or radicchio. Here is another recipe Spinach Strawberry Salad.
Use roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.
Apple cider vinegar or a white wine vinegar works. Add a bit of maple syrup to mimic balsamic's sweetness.
More Recipes To Love
- Easy Chickpeas Salad with Feta and Mint
- Mexican Pinto Bean Salad with Jalapeño Pepper
- Quick Tomato Cucumber And Pepper Summer Salad
- Orange Fennel Arugula Salad
- Spinach Strawberry Salad With Walnuts And Feta Cheese
- Tomato Cucumbers Feta Salad Recipe
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Arugula Salad With Pecans And Avocado
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula washed
- 6 medium strawberries sliced
- 3 green onions chopped or 1 small chopped shallot
- 3 tablespoons chopped roasted pecans or walnuts
- 1 medium avocado chopped
- Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ fresh ground pepper
- Optional: 3 slices crispy cooked bacon
- ¼ cup Feta Cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl place the cleaned arugula.
- Add chopped green onions, thinly sliced strawberries and nuts.
- Optional, you can also add chopped crispy bacon and feta cheese.(If you want a vegan salad, just skip these two ingredients)
To make the vinaigrette:
- Prepare the dressing by whisking the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Drizzle the salad with dressing.
- Serve immediately.
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