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Home Side Salads

Strawberry Salad with Avocado

By:Nagi
Published:8 May '19Updated:16 Nov '20
75 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

Strawberry Salad – pretty as a picture and tastes even better! With spinach, lightly candied pecans, avocado, feta and a poppyseed dressing, this is a bit of a show off salad but it’s super straightforward and worth the effort.

One of the most fabulous new salads I’ve tried in years!

Close up of Strawberry Salad with Avocado in a white bowl, ready to be served

Strawberry Salad

I’m finding more and more that I’m being nominated as the designated Salad Bringer. Something about people thinking I cook so much for my job, surely I don’t want to make something big to bring along.

Pfft! Side salad? I want to do the centrepiece!!! Or a show stopping dessert! 😂

So I’ve been progressively building an arsenal of what I call “Show-Off” salads – to make myself feel better, that I’m making a worthy contribution. You want a side salad?? I’ll show you a side salad!!

They’re not technically challenging or calling for fussy gourmet ingredients.

They’re just extra special salads that look as great as they taste – and this Strawberry Salad is my latest!

Strawberry Salad with Avocado in a white bowl, being served for lunch

There’s a few components to this salad:

  • Poppyseed Dressing – dump and shake
  • Lightly candied pecans – quick and easy, 5 minute job
  • The salad part – chopping the strawberries is the part that takes the longest!
  • Assembling – dress the spinach, then layer up the salad. No point tossing, the strawberries end up at the bottom!

What you need

Baby spinach is my favourite type of green fluffage for this salad because it’s got a lovely mild flavour and a soft texture that I think goes well with strawberries. Other mild lettuces will work well – just avoid ones like rocket/arugula (peppery) and radicchio (bitter).

The avocado is optional, I’d happily scoff this salad down even without. But it’s so good WITH it – that little creaminess with all the other stuff going on here is terrific!

Ingredients in Strawberry Salad with Avocado

The pecans are just lightly candied because we don’t need tons of sweetness (nor toffee sticking in our teeth). The strawberries add enough fresh sweetness, and also the dressing is not the zingy sour type, it’s creamy and a bit sweet.

How to make Candied Pecans

Poppyseed Dressing – So much more than just another dressing with the addition of lots of little black bits! The poppyseed add nuttiness to the dressing which adds an extra something-something to this salad.

It’s not as zingy as most dressings – it’s a bit creamy (from the mayo) with a touch of sweet. And I think it goes so well with the fresh juicy sweetness of strawberries!

Ingredients in Poppyseed Dressing

I find that Strawberry Salads are best layered rather than tossed. If you toss it all together, then all the good stuff ends up on the bottom of the bowl!

(The good “stuff” being the strawberries, candied pecans, avocado and feta.😂)

So the way I put this salad together, I toss the spinach with a bit of dressing, then layer it up as shown below. Usually 3 layers for a giant salad for gatherings, or 2 if it’s just a smaller side salad for dinner.

How to make Strawberry Salad

Make this Strawberry Salad as…

  • Side salad for dinner – I usually skip the candied pecans and just use plain pecans. It’s pretty quick to put together if you skip this. It fresh enough to pair with mains with big flavours, such as BBQ Beef Brisket. But also flavourful and interesting enough to have on the side of quick everyday mains such as Garlic Chicken Thighs, Baked Fish, sticky country style Baked Pork Chops or some quick Garlic Prawns (Shrimp!)
  • A meal in itself – it’s so scoffable, this is definitely a salad worthy of a meal! I’ve been having it for lunch with nothing else on the side and its kept me satisfied all afternoon. Mind you, I had generous servings!
  • Try adding chicken! This Marinated Chicken Breast is ideal, or this Baked Chicken Breast. Slice it and serve on top or on the side.
  • IMPRESS YOUR FAMILY and FRIENDS! Take this to the next gathering where you’re asked to bring a salad and bask in the glow of praises!

Yes, the last point is the main purpose behind the creation of this salad and yes, I’m really that immature. 😇 – Nagi x


More Show Off Salads

  • Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries – that’s plumped cranberries, not just shrivelled up dried ones!
  • Pearl Couscous Salad and Wild Rice Salad – colourful, loaded with textures and colours, I make both of these regularly all year round
  • Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad – reserved for very special occasions!

Overhead photo of Strawberry Salad with Avocado in a rustic bowl, ready to be eaten

Watch how to make it

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Close up of Strawberry Salad with Avocado in a white bowl, ready to be served

Strawberry Avocado Salad

Author: Nagi
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 25 mins
Side Salad
Western
5 from 21 votes
Servings8 - 10
Tap or hover to scale
Print
Recipe video above. A show off salad to impress! Skip the pecans to make it a quick 'n easy salad for anytime. This makes a BIG salad for sharing (8 - 10 as side). Scale recipe down if needed (click Servings and slide!)

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 180g / 6 oz baby spinach
  • 1 red onion (small), halved and finely sliced
  • 375g / 12 oz ripe strawberries , sliced (Note 1)
  • 2 avocados , quartered and sliced (Note 2)
  • 120g / 4oz feta , crumbled

Candied Pecans (Note 3):

  • 1 tbsp (15g) butter, unsalted
  • 3 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 cup pecans , roughly chopped

Poppyseed Dressing:

  • 1 tbsp eschallots (French onion), very finely chopped
  • 2.5 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp poppyseeds
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside for 10 minutes+ (keeps for a week).

Candied Pecans:

  • Place butter and sugar in a non stick skillet over medium high. When butter is melted, add nuts. 
  • Stir 5 minutes - sugar will go sandy, then eventually melt into a caramel.
  • Once sugar melts, cook for 2 minutes then spread pecans out on tray.
  • Cool then break to separate.

Assemble Salad:

  • Place spinach and onion in a bowl, drizzle with about 3 tbsp Dressing, toss.
  • Transfer 1/3 spinach in a bowl. Scatter over 1/3 of each strawberries, avocado, feta, pecans. Drizzle with a bit of dressing.
  • Top with another 1/3 spinach, strawberries, avocado, feta, pecans, then a bit more Dressing. Repeat once more.
  • Serve immediately!

Recipe Notes:

1. Strawberries 375g / 12 oz  = 1 1/2 Aussie punnets, 1 US pint. About 15 large(ish) strawberries.
2. Avocado - I often skip avo when making this as a quick side salad midweek.
3. Candied pecans - the candying makes this extra special. But for everyday purposes, I skip the candying and use plain pecans. Also feel free to use other nuts! Flaked almonds or roughly chopped almonds are especially terrific.
Nut allergy? Try candied sunflower seeds! I haven't made it but have tried it and it's delish. The recipe should work just fine!
4. Recipe source - inspired by a bunch of recipes found online, dressing recipe my own, this Poppyseed Dressing recipe.
5. Serving size - serves 8 to 12 as a side dish, 4 to 5 as a meal.
6. Storage - once dressed, it won't keep well so try to keep leftovers undressed. After dressing, the spinach gets a bit wilted after about 30 minutes or so.
To take this somewhere, keep the components separate then assemble before serving.
Avo prep tip: Cut in half and remove seed. Leave flesh in skin and cut into pieces using small knife (ie in the skin). Drizzled cut surface with lemon juice, return seed, put halves together. Place in airtight container with 1/2 freshly cut brown onion. Onion + seed + lemon juice = keeps avo green for days! To serve, use spoon to scoop flesh out - because it's already cut, pieces will fall into the salad! Leave a comment below if you want a video for this Avo prep ahead tip!
 

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 370cal (19%)Carbohydrates: 18g (6%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 32g (49%)Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)Cholesterol: 18mg (6%)Sodium: 438mg (19%)Potassium: 529mg (15%)Fiber: 6g (25%)Sugar: 10g (11%)Vitamin A: 2300IU (46%)Vitamin C: 40.1mg (49%)Calcium: 137mg (14%)Iron: 1.7mg (9%)
Keywords: Avocado Strawberry Salad, Poppyseed Dressing, Strawberry Salad
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

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75 Comments

  1. Marjorie says

    December 31, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    5 stars
    Wow…. this is my new best friend salad. I have made it 3 times now for different guests and everyone is totally hooked on my food… I’m such a great cook. I then have to admit it’s your recipe then I share your fabulous website with them. I have cooked so many of your dishes since I discovered your mouthwatering recipes. Thank you Nagi for sharing your knowledge 💓💓

    Reply
  2. Marjorie Thacker says

    December 31, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    Wow…. this is my new best friend salad. I have made it 3 times now for different guests and everyone is totally hooked on my food… I’m such a great cook. I then have to admit it’s your recipe then I share your fabulous website with them. I have cooked so many of your dishes since I discovered your mouthwatering recipes. Thank you Nagi for sharing your knowledge 💓💓

    Reply
  3. Tin says

    December 29, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    Made this during Christmas. Indeed, this is a show stopper salad – the color is amazing, super yummy and so many delightful texture. The candied pecans are the star… Thanks Nagi…

    Reply
  4. Raelene says

    December 26, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    Hi Nagi, I made this salad as an extra for Christmas Day lunch, and wow, wow, wow! I am not a big salad fan, but I would eat this every time, it’s so tasty and simple to put together. I skipped the poppy seeds, personal choice I guess. Loved it and so did the family, thanks!

    Reply
  5. Liz says

    July 29, 2020 at 12:07 am

    Hi. Can I get a video of the avo prep ahead please. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 29, 2020 at 9:56 am

      Hi Liz, it’s just peeled and chopped into chunks here 🙂 N x

      Reply
      • Liz says

        July 30, 2020 at 11:53 pm

        Thanks Nagi! I meant, if I meant to take the salad for a picnic. What’s the best way to store it? Thanks again!

        Reply
  6. viktoriya kingsman says

    May 12, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    5 stars
    Strawberries in the salad, such a great idea. Absolutely delicious. Creamy, sweet and tangy.
    Thank you Nagi xx

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 13, 2020 at 7:30 am

      They make all the difference Viktoriya! N x

      Reply
  7. Lisa Strait says

    March 1, 2020 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    I had picked a whole flat of Strawberries, End of February is the start of Strawberry season in FL. I made this incredible salad! I substituted goat cheese and slivered almonds because I had that on hand. It was delicious!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 2, 2020 at 10:06 am

      Sounds divine Lisa! N x

      Reply
  8. Simone says

    January 26, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    5 stars
    Simply delicious, the candied pecans were so tasty and crunchy. I get so many compliments for all your recipes. All my guests now know your website 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 28, 2020 at 11:41 am

      I cannot stop myself from eating them before they make it to the salad Simone 😂 N x

      Reply
  9. Alexandra says

    December 26, 2019 at 4:50 am

    5 stars
    A show off salad for sure! Everyone asked me for the recipe, so I have forwarded the website link (even if I had originally planned to keep the hidden gem for my eyes only!). You’re about to be famous in France 😉

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 25, 2020 at 6:30 am

      5 stars
      I have been making this recipe for quite some time and am still in love! I triple the dressing and use it almost everyday for lunch. Thank you for sharing so many tasty recipes!

      Reply
  10. Jane Witney-Taylor says

    November 4, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    This is a tasty salad and would make a great addition to a southern hemisphere Christmas celebration! My family loved it! A real keeper for sure.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      November 4, 2019 at 7:49 pm

      Yes definitely Jane!!!

      Reply
  11. Jane Witney-Taylor says

    November 4, 2019 at 12:33 pm

    5 stars
    This is a tasty salad and would make addition to a southern hemisphere Christmas celebration! My family loved it! A real keeper for sure.

    Reply
  12. Lizzie says

    September 22, 2019 at 8:14 am

    Looks delicious. Just wondering if it would work without the mayo? Or would that be missing the point? My husband is not a big fan.

    Reply
  13. Renee says

    July 30, 2019 at 6:40 am

    5 stars
    Amazing flavors! Made this salad as a side for a party. Everyone raved and not a bite leftover.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 30, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      Perfect Renee, you’ll be the salad queen in no time!

      Reply
  14. Anna Lion says

    July 29, 2019 at 9:09 pm

    5 stars
    What a tasty, light, fresh and different salad! Perfect as an evening meal on a hot summer‘s night with crusty french bread and a glass of bubbly. I think the caramelized nuts (used walnuts) played an important part here, as did the feta cheese, to enhance all the flavors of this very well composed salad.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 30, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Yes, it all works so well together, I’m so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  15. Jenny says

    July 1, 2019 at 11:32 am

    5 stars
    Absolutely amazing ❤️🍓
    thank you once again Nagi ☺️

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 1, 2019 at 8:16 pm

      You’re so welcome Jenny, I’m so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  16. Kay says

    May 26, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    5 stars
    This is a DELICIOUS salad – thank you! My new favourite.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 27, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      You’re so welcome Kay, I’m so happy you liked it!

      Reply
  17. Judy says

    May 15, 2019 at 6:40 am

    Once again, your recipe was a hit. Admittedly, when I let the family know I was making this, they all have me that weird look, like I was the weirdo.It was the, Here’s-mom-trying-a-new-recipe kind of look. Some of you may know what I’m talking about, the half smile, rolling of the eyes.
    They said they would try it to humor me, I suppose. But boy! When they tasted it!… Everyone was amazed that such things like strawberries and nuts could go so well with spinach. And the dressing! It was a total victory. I only wish I could take total credit for the recipe. Thanks again, Nagi, for another wonderful meal

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 15, 2019 at 8:47 pm

      Yasssssss! I’m so glad they gave it a go!

      Reply
  18. Trudy says

    May 14, 2019 at 2:15 am

    Made this strawberry and avocado salad. My other half was sceptical. I said trust Nagi who is a household name in our house. It was just delicious. I shall make this often, thanks Nagi for making our meals delicious and interesting

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 14, 2019 at 4:07 pm

      I know, it sounds weird but how good is it!?! Thanks for leaving a comment Trudy! – Nx

      Reply
    • Olive Murtagh McWall says

      May 23, 2019 at 3:36 am

      5 stars
      Hi Nagi, you were right when you said this was a show off salad. Delicious!!!!
      My new favourite.
      I used candied sesame peanuts instead of the candied pecans.

      Reply
  19. merrymod says

    May 13, 2019 at 4:05 am

    It looks delicious! Do you think I can sub strawberries with blueberries? My BF is allergic to them

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 13, 2019 at 7:36 pm

      Sure could!

      Reply
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