Strawberry Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Salad Recipe
Description
This salad combines baby spinach or similar greens with sweet, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Toasted pecans add a toasty crunch, enhancing texture and flavor. The balsamic dressing is a smooth blend of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper, providing acidity to brighten the greens and complement the strawberries.
By toasting the nuts in the oven first, the salad gains extra depth and aroma. The dressing is whisked or shaken to a smooth vinaigrette before being drizzled on right before serving. The components can be prepped ahead with the nuts and dressing kept separate and the salad assembled shortly before eating to keep everything fresh.
For best flavor, real balsamic vinegar with certification is recommended, as it is syrupy and thick rather than watery. If preparing strawberries in advance, refrigerate them and allow to come to room temperature before serving to maximize sweetness and aroma.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- ½ cup pecans 50g, or almonds or walnuts
- 5 ounces mixed greens such as baby spinach or arugula (XX cups)
- ¼ cup red onion 30g, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries 150g, sliced, fresh
- ½ cup feta cheese 55g, crumbled, or goat cheese
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
Instructions
For the Salad:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the nuts on a small sheet tray. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the greens, red onion, strawberries, and cheese.
For the Balsamic Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and black pepper. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, starting with a few drops at a time, ending with a slow stream, until a smooth vinaigrette forms. (Alternatively, you can add all of the ingredients to a mason jar and shake to combine).
To Assemble:
- Just before serving, top the salad with the toasted nuts and drizzle with the dressing to taste. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine, if you like.
Notes
- Use authentic balsamic vinegar labeled with certifications like DOP or PGI for best flavor and syrupy consistency.
- Store prepped strawberries in the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance taste.
- The assembled salad can be covered and refrigerated for up to 8 hours; keep the dressing chilled separately and add just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 288 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 288kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 524mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 213mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 494IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 32mg | 36% |
| Calcium | 118mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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