Definitely not your average green salad! Sweet nectarines, creamy avocados and crisp cucumbers drizzled with a smoky dressing make this paleo and vegan Nectarine Avocado Salad salad a superb summertime salad!
With stone fruits like nectarines, plums and peaches now available in local markets, and fresh greens and berries from my garden, this Nectarine Avocado Salad seemed like a logical choice to add to our dinner of Chipotle Chicken Burgers and Grilled Corn on the Cob today.
This salad seems so simple, (and it is) but it has a lot going on in terms of flavour and texture. It's not just any old salad tossed together in a bowl.
The first time I made this salad, I sliced the cucumbers into long thin curls with a vegetable peeler. While they looked attractive, they didn't keep their crunch (and who wants a salad without crunch!) This time, I left them in crisp bite-sized chunks and added extra crunch with pumpkin seeds.
Denis happened to come in from the garden with a bowl of blueberries while I was putting this salad together, and they quickly became the garnish. I had originally planned to use a herb like cilantro, but the blueberries won out.
This smoked paprika dressing is fabulous on this Nectarine Avocado Salad, but it's bound to be making a regular appearance in my kitchen. It's just that good! I use the authentic Spanish Smoked Paprika, the same one I use in my Spanish Paella recipe. A little goes a long way! It has a warm smoky spiciness and aroma that adds interest to whatever dish you use it in.
This Nectarine Avocado Salad would be equally as good with fresh peaches too. Switch it up--vary the greens you use, or try it with toasted sunflower seeds or cashews. Just don't forget the dressing!
Nectarine Avocado Salad with Smoked Paprika
Ingredients
- 1 small head of lettuce of your choice
- 1 large (2 small) nectarines, pitted
- ½ large (1 small) avocado pitted and peeled
- ½ long English cucumber
- 2 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries
Smoked Paprika Dressing
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ teaspoon grainy mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon shallot minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and dry lettuce, chop nectarines, avocado and cucumber and arrange in serving bowls or on a platter. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and blueberries.
- Combine all dressing ingredients except oil in a blender and process until well mixed. Slowly drizzle in olive oil. Drizzle on salad and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!
I'm absolutely obsessed with smoked paprika so I need to try this right away, I've never added it to salad dressings before!
Flavour & Savour
I know--neither had I. So good!
Justine | JustineCelina.com
Yum! I love a fresh leafy salad with nectarines. I actually have an old recipe that pairs nectarines up with basil and spinach -- so perfect for summer. I bet the pops of blueberry are divine with that smoked paprika! Beautiful recipe!
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Justine! Your recipe sound delish! Yes--love those fresh-from-the-garden blueberries!
Dana Sandonato
Nothing beats a huge salad with tons of goodies in it! This sounds ah-mazing and in my world, avocado is a must. This sounds like the furthest thing from boring, but I don't think you're capable of being boring Elaine. You always slay! <3
Flavour & Savour
Awww. . . thanks Dana! I could eat a big bowl of salad for dinner every day of the year!
Nicole
Mmmm smokey dressing, what a fantastic idea! That way you get a smoked taste in every bite instead of having one ingredient in the salad that's smoked. Very clever. I'm definitely trying this!
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Nicole! I'll be using this dressing on everything! 🙂
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
I love any spins on a fresh summer salad, the only requirement is NO cucumbers in my salad 😉 . I love all the flavors going on, especially that smokiness from the dressing. We're still waiting for B.C. stone fruits to appear at our farmer's market, as soon as we can get our hands on some, going to bring some color, freshness and vibrant flavors to our meal with this salad!
Flavour & Savour
I could eat cucumbers all day, but I know that they don't agree with some people! I think this salad would be good with any stone fruit, like peaches or plums too. Thanks for commenting!
Amanda Orlando
This looks so fresh and nutritious. I love cooking with stone fruits at this time of year, gotta take advantage during their short season!