Description

This vibrant Blackberry Salad with Avocados combines fresh mixed greens, ripe avocados, juicy blackberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing. Garnished with fresh thyme, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, making it a delicious and nutritious choice for a light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or radicchio)
2 ripe avocados
2 cups fresh blackberries
½ red onion
½ cup pecans
½ cup goat cheese
Fresh herbs for garnish (thyme recommended)

Dressing

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the salad ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Peel, stone, and slice the avocados. Wash and pat dry the blackberries. Thinly slice the red onion. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned, then crumble the goat cheese.
Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl or serving platter, combine the mixed greens, sliced avocado, blackberries, sliced red onion, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the salad as a garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.

Notes

For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly dressing.
Use mixed greens that you prefer or have on hand; arugula adds a peppery note while spinach is milder.
Serve this salad immediately to prevent avocado browning and preserve freshness.
To toast pecans evenly, stir frequently and monitor closely to avoid burning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: blackberry salad, avocado salad, mixed greens salad, healthy salad, goat cheese salad, toasted pecans, lemon dressing, vegetarian salad