Strawberry, Avocado & Blue Cheese Salad 

Servings

2–3 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (nuts only)
Total: ~20 minutes

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Ingredients

Salad Base

• 3 cups fresh arugula (rocket), washed and dried

• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

• ¼ cup blue cheese (or feta), crumbled

• ¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped

• ¼ cup pecans

Candied Pecans

• ¼ cup pecans

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• Pinch of salt

Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1½ tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar reduced)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Candy the Pecans

• Heat a small skillet over medium heat.

• Add pecans and toast for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

• Drizzle in honey and a pinch of salt.

• Stir constantly until glossy and lightly caramelized (about 2 minutes).

• Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden.

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2. Prepare the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic glaze, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.

• Taste and adjust:

  • More balsamic = tangier

  • More honey = sweeter

  • More pepper = bolder

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3. Assemble the Salad

• Place arugula in a large serving bowl.

• Arrange strawberries, avocado slices, blue cheese, pistachios, and candied pecans in sections (or toss gently if preferred).

• Drizzle dressing evenly over the salad.

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4. Finish & Serve

• Add a final crack of black pepper.

• Optional: light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

• Serve immediately while avocado is fresh and vibrant.

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Flavor & Texture Vibes

• Sweet: strawberries + honey

• Creamy: avocado + blue cheese

• Crunchy: pistachios + candied pecans

• Peppery: arugula

• Balanced AF: sweet–savory–fresh in one bowl

This salad is main-character energy: pretty, nutritious, and low-effort but high-impact 🥗✨