This Strawberry Avocado Salad is a vibrant combination of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. Fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, buttery avocado, nutty asiago cheese, and crunchy pecans come together with a homemade honey lime dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for lunch, a side dish, or even a refreshing dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is bursting with fresh, colorful ingredients that not only taste incredible but also nourish your body. The natural sweetness of strawberries pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and the slight saltiness of asiago cheese. The honey lime dressing adds a bright, zesty finish that enhances every bite.

You’ll also love how quick and easy it is to prepare. With minimal chopping and a simple shake-and-pour dressing, this recipe comes together in minutes. It’s ideal for busy weekdays, meal prep, or serving guests when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 packed cups baby spinach
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 large avocado, diced
1/3 cup asiago cheese, grated
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Homemade Honey Lime Dressing:

4 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
3 fresh limes, juiced
zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 fresh garlic clove, minced
1 pinch sea salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

Directions

In a small mason jar, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, raw honey, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified. Alternatively, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until well blended.

In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, grated asiago cheese, and chopped pecans. Gently toss the ingredients to distribute them evenly.

Drizzle the prepared honey lime dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

You can customize this salad easily based on your preferences or what you have available.

Add grilled chicken or grilled shrimp for extra protein and to make it a complete meal.

Swap pecans for sliced almonds or walnuts for a slightly different crunch and flavor.

Use feta cheese instead of asiago if you prefer a tangier cheese option.

Add thinly sliced red onions for a bit of sharpness and extra texture.

For a sweeter twist, sprinkle in a handful of dried cranberries or blueberries.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients to prevent the spinach from wilting.

Store the salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If the avocado has already been added, squeeze a little extra lime juice over it before storing to help slow browning.

This salad does not require reheating, as it is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and dress the salad just before serving for the freshest texture.

How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

Toss the diced avocado with a bit of extra lime juice before adding it to the salad. Store it in an airtight container to reduce exposure to air.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much moisture when thawed.

What can I use instead of honey?

You can substitute maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness in the dressing.

Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written.

Can I use a different type of greens?

Absolutely. Mixed greens, arugula, or romaine lettuce work well as alternatives to baby spinach.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

Simply omit the asiago cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What protein pairs best with this salad?

Grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas are excellent additions for extra protein.

Can I toast the pecans?

Yes, lightly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.

Is the dressing very tangy?

The dressing has a bright citrus flavor balanced by honey. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lime juice to taste.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Avocado Salad is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold, bright flavors. It’s quick to prepare, beautifully colorful, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to refresh your weekly meal rotation or serve something uplifting and nourishing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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