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Fresh Strawberry Avocado Salad with Candied Walnuts

fresh strawberry avocado salad - featured image
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A refreshing summer salad combining sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy candied walnuts, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick, light meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (60g / 2.1 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, preferably aged (60ml / 2 fl oz)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens (120g / 4.2 oz)
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Candy the Walnuts: Place the chopped walnuts and granulated sugar in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts with a shiny glaze. Be careful not to burn the sugar—once coated, transfer immediately to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and harden.
  2. Make the Balsamic Glaze: In the same skillet (wipe out any walnut bits first), combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often. Let it reduce by about half, roughly 5-7 minutes, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy sheen.
  3. Prep the Produce: While the glaze reduces, wash and dry the baby spinach or mixed greens thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, then peel and dice the avocado. Toss the greens, strawberries, and avocado gently in a large bowl.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Sprinkle the cooled candied walnuts over the salad. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper if using. Toss lightly to combine, making sure the glaze coats the ingredients without overwhelming them.
  5. Final Touches: Give the salad a final taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Notes

Dice the avocado last to prevent browning. Keep candied walnuts and glaze separate until serving to maintain crunch and vibrancy. Stir constantly when candying walnuts to avoid burning sugar. Reduce balsamic glaze slowly over low heat to develop depth without bitterness. Handle avocado gently to avoid mushiness. Assemble salad just before serving for best freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry avocado salad, candied walnuts, balsamic glaze, summer salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, quick salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/fresh-strawberry-avocado-salad-with-candied-walnuts-easy-recipe-for-summer/