Strawberry Salad with Balsamic
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Salad with Balsamic
Description
This salad blends multiple fresh and ripe ingredients: sliced strawberries and halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity, creamy diced avocado adds richness, and miniature mozzarella balls contribute a mild dairy note. The toasted pecans introduce crunch, while fresh torn basil leaves add aromatic herbal brightness. After tossing the ingredients with olive oil and seasoning, the salad is complemented by a balsamic vinegar reduction, made by simmering the vinegar until thickened and syrupy.
The resulting dish features a harmony of textures—softness from avocado and cheese, crispness from pecans, and juiciness from fresh fruit and vegetables. The balsamic glaze adds a sharp sweetness that enhances the flavor profile without overpowering the freshness.
Strawberry Salad with Balsamic works well as an appetizer, light lunch, or a side for grilled meats and summer dishes. The balance of fruit, cheese, and nuts provides satisfying richness and color variation for a fresh plate.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved
- 1 cup mozzarella mini balls, halved
- 1 avocado pitted and diced, ripe
- ⅓ cup pecans toasted
- ⅓ cup basil torn, fresh leaves
- extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- salt sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
- black pepper sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a high simmer over medium heat. Stir, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vinegar has thickened and reduced by half, about 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Place the strawberries, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, pecans, and basil in a shallow bowl or platter. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Gently toss. Drizzle with the reduced balsamic.
Notes
- To adapt this salad for a vegan diet, omit the mozzarella cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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