This summery Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad makes the most of fresh produce with an arugula base, fresh blackberries, blueberries, cucumber, avocado, hazelnuts, feta, and a zesty lime mint vinaigrette. The berries add a sweet, refreshing pop, complementing the creamy avocado and peppery arugula perfectly. It’s an easy, light, and refreshing salad ideal for hot summer days. You can also add grilled protein or grains to make it more filling.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 5 cups baby arugula

• 1 cup blackberries

• ¾ cup blueberries

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1 ½ cups cucumber, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup feta cheese

• ⅓ cup toasted hazelnuts

For the lime mint vinaigrette:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)

• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint

• ¾ tsp salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Whisk together all the ingredients for the vinaigrette—olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup, chopped mint, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, blackberries, blueberries, avocado, cucumber, feta, and hazelnuts.

3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

4. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 536

• Sugar: 9 g

• Sodium: 576.2 mg

• Fat: 51.5 g

• Carbohydrates: 21.1 g

• Fiber: 7.3 g

• Protein: 2.8 g

A Symphony of Fresh Flavors

At the heart of this salad is a mix of fresh produce that celebrates the natural sweetness and subtle tartness of berries alongside the smooth richness of avocado. Blackberries and blueberries contribute a juicy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the slightly bitter and peppery notes of baby arugula. This combination creates a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. The thinly sliced cucumber adds a crisp, cool texture that complements the softness of the avocado and berries, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the salad.

The use of avocado in this salad not only brings creaminess but also adds healthy fats, making the dish more satiating. Avocados are known for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are a good source of vitamins E and C, which boost the salad’s nutritional value. This makes the salad not only a tasty option but also a nutritious one, perfect for those who want to enjoy a wholesome meal without feeling weighed down.

The Role of Hazelnuts and Feta Cheese

To add depth and contrast to the salad, toasted hazelnuts are included, contributing a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. Nuts are an excellent way to introduce texture variation into salads, and hazelnuts, in particular, complement the fruitiness of the berries and the creaminess of the avocado beautifully. They also bring added nutritional benefits such as healthy fats, protein, and fiber, enhancing the salad’s overall healthfulness.

Feta cheese provides a salty, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the berries and the smooth avocado. Its crumbly texture and distinctive flavor elevate the salad, making each bite more interesting. Feta is a classic pairing in many Mediterranean-style salads and its inclusion here adds a savory dimension that balances the dish perfectly. The combination of hazelnuts and feta creates a harmony of flavors that is both complex and comforting.

The Zesty Lime Mint Vinaigrette

One of the standout features of this salad is its dressing—a lime mint vinaigrette that brings a fresh, zesty lift to the dish. The vinaigrette is a vibrant blend of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, maple syrup, chopped fresh mint, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This dressing not only enhances the flavors of the salad but also introduces a bright and aromatic component that makes every bite more exciting.

Lime juice provides a refreshing citrus tang that cuts through the richness of the avocado and feta, while the maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity. Fresh mint contributes a cool, herbaceous note that complements the berries and cucumber, making the salad feel even more summery and invigorating. The olive oil base adds smoothness and richness, helping to meld all the flavors together into a cohesive whole.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

This salad’s light and fresh profile makes it ideal for hot summer days when heavy meals can feel overwhelming. It can be served as a standalone light lunch or as an elegant side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. To make the salad more filling and suitable for a main course, you can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked grains like quinoa or farro. These additions would provide extra protein and substance without detracting from the salad’s fresh, summery character.

Its combination of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheese offers a well-rounded nutritional profile, making it a great option for those following vegetarian or gluten-free diets. The use of simple, whole-food ingredients also means it can fit into various healthy eating plans, including Mediterranean and clean eating lifestyles.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond its vibrant flavors and appealing textures, this salad is packed with nutritional benefits. It provides a generous amount of healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, which support heart health and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which contribute to overall wellness and help combat oxidative stress. Arugula, a leafy green, offers essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which is important for bone health.

The inclusion of hazelnuts adds plant-based protein and fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. Feta cheese contributes calcium and protein, supporting bone and muscle health. The overall carbohydrate content is moderate, primarily from the fresh fruits and vegetables, and the fiber content is significant, which is beneficial for digestive health and blood sugar regulation.

Conclusion

The Blackberry, Avocado, and Arugula Salad is a beautiful celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Its balance of sweet, creamy, tangy, and peppery flavors, combined with varied textures, makes it a standout option for anyone seeking a light yet satisfying meal. The lime mint vinaigrette adds an invigorating twist that ties all the components together in a harmonious way.

This salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual summer lunches to elegant dinner parties. Its nutrient-dense ingredients support overall health, and its refreshing qualities make it a perfect dish to enjoy when the weather is warm. Whether enjoyed on its own or enhanced with grilled proteins or grains, this salad is sure to delight the palate and nourish the body. Including this recipe on your website will offer your readers a wonderful way to embrace fresh, wholesome eating with a dish that’s both beautiful and beneficial.