Strawberry and avocado salad with strawberry vinaigrette

This strawberry and avocado salad with strawberry vinaigrette was created in anticipation of the rugby game between the Springboks and Japan in England. The green of the avocado represented the Springboks and the red of the strawberries represented Japan. The red strawberries dominated the salad and so did Japan in the rugby match. Sadly our team lost!

Of course we had a braai, whilst watching the rugby. This salad went very well with the meat that was done on the coals. We’re having wonderful weather in Cape Town at the moment and this was our first al fresco dinner of the season.

With strawberries available in abundance and avocadoes also still available I thought it apt to create this colourful salad. It can be served as a starter, a side dish or as a vegetarian main meal. If served as mains double-up the nuts and cheese. If served as a side dish the salad serves 6 to 8 people and it will serve 4 people as a main dish.

You can either add blue cheese or feta to the salad. I prefer blue cheese but since I was not sure whether everyone likes blue cheese, I served it separately. It turned out that everyone at the braai loved blue cheese, so it was crumbled on top.

I doubt whether I will create something in blue and green when our Boks plays against Samoa in our next Rugby World Cup game since I was told my salad was the reason for our loss!  I sincerely hope that our team will be more successful with the next match.

Enjoy the games and remember to have fun in the kitchen!

For the Vinaigrette
2 strawberries
1 garlic clove, crushed
60ml white wine vinegar
15ml parsley, chopped
180ml olive oil
a pinch of salt
black pepper
Place everything in a food processor and process. Place in the fridge.

For the salad
300g mixed salad leaves
400 g strawberries (minus the 2 for the vinaigrette)
2 avocadoes
15ml lemon juice
50g blue cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
50g Cashew nuts, toasted
Place the salad leaves on a serving tray.
Halve and/or fan the strawberries.
Peel the avocadoes, remove the pip and slice. Drizzle with the lemon juice.
Place the strawberries and avocado slices onto the lettuce and top with the crumbled cheese.
Top with the cashew nuts, just before serving.
Serve, drizzled with the strawberry vinaigrette.

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