I make a lot of salads, and this Blackberry Walnut Avocado Salad is one of my favorites. Blackberries aren’t always my first choice, but they bring a bright, tangy pop that pairs beautifully with creamy avocado, crunchy toasted walnuts, and salty feta. The dressing is a simple maple-Dijon vinaigrette that ties everything together — fresh, balanced, and easy to make.
Key Ingredients for this Blackberry Walnut Avocado Salad
This simple salad comes together with fresh, complementary flavors. Here’s what you need:
Blackberries — Juicy, tart, and slightly sweet. Leave them whole or halve them depending on your preference.
Walnuts — Toasted walnuts add crunch and a deeper, slightly sweet nuttiness when browned a bit more.
Avocados — Provide creamy texture and richness that balances the bright berries.
Feta — Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy contrast that lifts the salad.
Maple syrup — Used in the dressing; it complements the walnuts and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the tangy Dijon and lemon.
Making a Maple-Dijon Dressing
This dressing is quick and requires only a jar and a good shake. Combine minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, a pinch of kosher salt, a pinch of black pepper, and good-quality olive oil in a jar. Seal and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Other Salad Dressings to Try
If you want to switch up the flavor, try these dressings instead of the maple-Dijon:
Quick and Easy DIY Dressing
Garlic Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette
Other Recipes You Might Like
If you enjoyed this salad, try these other fresh salad recipes:
Chicken Jalapeno Ranch Salad
Chicken Shawarma Salad
Thai Mango Salad
Recipe
Blackberry Walnut Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad
- 6 cups spinach washed
- 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 pint blackberries
- 2 avocados sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/2 cup feta crumbled
- 1 1/2 cup chicken cooked and chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 pinch Kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions:
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In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, cucumber, blackberries, avocado, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, cooked chicken (if using), and green onions.
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In a jar, add minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Seal and shake until the dressing is fully emulsified.
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Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.