This refreshing recipe of strawberry salad pairs ripe strawberries with mixed greens and a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect light lunch or side dish for a spring or summer meal. Topped with crunchy pecans and creamy goat cheese, this salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
In the peak season of berries, strawberries are juicy and sweet in taste. They pair so well with the tanginess of balsamic dressing. It makes a refreshing side dish or can be easily turned into main course by adding few other easy ingredients like cooked quinoa or couscous!
Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Prep. Time: 15Min. Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your preferred salad greens)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the balsamic dressing. In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the olive oil to the vinegar mixture, whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set the dressing aside.
- For the salad, start by washing and drying your mixed greens. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved strawberries to the bowl with the greens. If the strawberries are very large, you may want to slice them instead of halving them.
- Scatter the toasted, roughly chopped pecans over the greens and strawberries.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. If you prefer, you could also use goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing it to ensure the greens stay crisp and fresh.
Nutritional value: 210kcal.
This strawberry salad with balsamic dressing is a beautiful and delicious dish to enjoy during strawberry season. The sweet, juicy strawberries contrast beautifully with the tangy dressing and creamy cheese, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- For a vegan version, simply skip the cheese! Add avocado slices as it adds plenty of creaminess, so you really won’t miss it.
- Try adding other herb like mint. Mint and strawberries make awesome combination!
- Swap the mozzarella for crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese to add a savory, tangy element.
- Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula in the mix and you get strawberry spinach salad.
- You can add cooked quinoa in the mix and make it a loaded meal option.
- Can swap pecans with any other nut like walnuts or almonds.
Also try: https://www.wellplated.com
What’s the difference between balsamic dressing and vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is just vinegar, whereas a balsamic vinaigrette is made by combining balsamic vinegar with oil, sugar and other seasonings.
Is balsamic vinegar salad healthy?
Balsamic vinegar is rich in antioxidants and has few calories.
What is the healthiest dressing for a salad?
the healthiest salad dressing will be a vinaigrette like balsamic or oil and vinegar, while Caesar, ranch or anything with the word “creamy” will be the unhealthiest.
How many carbs are in a strawberry salad?
Carbs are very less in strawberry salad. It’s just app. 7g in 100g salad.
Are strawberries good or bad carbs?
Strawberries are low in carbs, but they are extremely rich in vitamin C.
Are strawberries junk food?
Strawberries, like other berries, are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.