We’ve always loved the idea of combining sweet and savory in a single dish. But nothing quite compares to the fresh burst of flavors you get from our Strawberry & Avocado Carpaccio with Balsamic Glaze. This light, refreshing salad combines the best of both worlds—ripe strawberries, creamy avocado, and a rich balsamic glaze that ties everything together in a symphony of flavors. It’s perfect for summer picnics, brunches, or any occasion when you want to impress with something simple yet sophisticated.
🍓 A Sweet and Savory Journey of Flavors
It all started on one of those warm spring mornings when the market was overflowing with bright, fresh strawberries. We had some perfectly ripe avocados at home, and the idea of pairing them together in a salad seemed too good to pass up. The result? A vibrant, vegan strawberry and avocado carpaccio that’s light, full of texture, and bursting with flavor. The balance of creamy, savory avocado with the sweet pop of strawberries just works, and when drizzled with that tangy balsamic glaze, it’s absolute perfection.
🌱 Why We Love This Refreshing Salad
This recipe is as much about textures as it is about flavors. The thinly sliced avocado carpaccio offers a smooth, buttery base, while the strawberries add a juicy, slightly tart contrast. The balsamic glaze, rich and tangy, perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the avocado. It’s a dish that celebrates seasonal, plant-based ingredients in the best way possible, making it the ideal choice for those looking for a fresh, healthy salad.
🥄 The Magic of Balsamic Glaze
What really elevates this dish is the balsamic glaze. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little bit bold, which makes it the perfect companion for both the strawberries and the avocado. We love using a thickened balsamic reduction in this recipe—its rich, syrupy consistency coats the fruit and adds a delightful complexity. It’s a simple trick that takes this salad from good to wow in no time.
🥗 Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, preparing a vegan dinner salad, or just looking for a light lunch, this strawberry and avocado salad with balsamic glaze is the perfect dish. It’s quick to prepare, visually stunning, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can adjust the sweetness or tanginess depending on your preferences. Add some fresh mint for an extra burst of freshness or toss in a handful of vegan feta for an extra creamy touch.
🧑🍳 Quick, Simple, and Full of Fresh Ingredients
Another reason we love this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, but you still get a dish that feels like a gourmet meal. Simply slice the strawberries and avocado, arrange them artfully on a plate, drizzle the balsamic glaze, and you’re done. This is the epitome of a quick vegan salad that’s both beautiful and satisfying.
🍴 Great for Meal Prep or Make-Ahead
If you’re someone who loves preparing meals ahead of time, this dish is a winner. The ingredients stay fresh for a day or two, so you can make it the day before a gathering and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to drizzle the balsamic glaze right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. This make-ahead vegan salad will definitely impress your guests without causing stress.
🌿 The Versatility of Strawberries in Salads
We’re big fans of using strawberries in savory dishes, especially during their peak season. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of avocado and the tang of balsamic glaze. Plus, strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this salad a healthy vegan option that’s as good for you as it is for your taste buds.
💬 Let’s Share the Love!
Ingredients
- 6-8 ripe strawberries hulled and thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves chopped
- Edible flowers optional, for garnish
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Let it reduce for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Carpaccio: Arrange the thin slices of avocado and strawberry on a plate, slightly overlapping, to form a fan or circular pattern.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped mint leaves over the top and drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze.
- Add a few edible flowers for a pop of color (optional).
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of olive oil on the carpaccio before serving.
- Use a mandoline slicer to achieve ultra-thin slices for a delicate presentation.
- Feel free to add a handful of arugula or baby spinach for extra texture and color.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Strawberry & Avocado Carpaccio with Balsamic Glaze
🍓 Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
For the best texture and flavor, we recommend using fresh strawberries. Frozen strawberries may become mushy when thawed, which could alter the dish’s crisp and light feel.
🥑 Is This Salad Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free! It’s a refreshing, light dish made from just fresh ingredients without any gluten-containing components. Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
🍋 Can I Use a Different Type of Balsamic Vinegar?
While traditional balsamic vinegar works best for this dish, you can experiment with flavored balsamic vinegars, like fig or raspberry, for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
🌿 Can I Add Other Herbs or Seasonings?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for fresh basil, you could swap it for mint, thyme, or even arugula to introduce different flavor profiles. A pinch of sea salt or crushed pepper can enhance the sweet-savory contrast.
🍽️ How Can I Serve This Salad?
This salad is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish for a summer meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, roasted tofu, or even a fresh vegan cheese platter.
🍴 Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
For the freshest flavor, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving, as the strawberries and avocado are delicate and can brown or soften too much over time. You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them last-minute for the best result.
Enjoy this Strawberry & Avocado Carpaccio as a vibrant, refreshing salad bursting with the flavors of summer! Perfect for vegan gatherings or light lunches.
Add a Comment