Why You’ll Love this Strawberry Salad Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a revitalizing side dish or a light main course, you’ll adore this Strawberry Salad recipe. It’s a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients that not only look stunning but taste incredible too.
The combination of sweet strawberries, crisp greens, and crunchy pecans creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Plus, the dressing adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
I love how quick and easy it’s to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients of Strawberry Salad
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Strawberry Salad, having the right ingredients is key. And guess what? The list isn’t only simple but also filled with fresh, vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Let’s explore what you need to gather for this delightful dish. You might even find some of these ingredients hanging out in your kitchen already, which is always a bonus when you’re in the mood for a quick and easy salad.
- 2 ounces strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 ounces fresh spinach leaves, washed
- 6 ounces mixed baby greens, washed
- 1/2 ounce pecans, chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons asiago cheese, grated
- 1/2 shallot (pureed or finely minced)
- 1/3 cup blood orange juice
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup champagne
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. You can definitely play around with what you have on hand.
Don’t have blood orange juice? Regular orange juice or even lemon juice can work in a pinch, though you might want to adjust the sugar to balance the tartness.
If you’re not a fan of bacon, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
And let’s be real—if you can’t find asiago cheese, don’t stress it; feta or goat cheese can add that creamy finish just as well.
The key here is to have fun with it. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you love most, right?
How to Make Strawberry Salad
Alright, let’s plunge into the fun part—making that delicious Strawberry Salad. It’s as easy as pie, or should I say, as easy as salad?
First things first, grab a big bowl and toss in 2 ounces of hulled and sliced strawberries, 3 ounces of fresh spinach leaves (make sure they’re washed, because nobody likes a gritty salad), and 6 ounces of mixed baby greens. The colors in this bowl are going to make you feel like you’re in a spring garden. Give everything a gentle toss, just enough to get those greens and strawberries to mingle a bit.
Now, while you’re admiring your colorful creation, let’s whip up that fabulous dressing. In a blender (or a bowl, if you’re feeling adventurous with a whisk), combine 1/2 of a finely minced shallot, 1/3 cup of blood orange juice, and 1/4 cup of champagne. Yes, you read that right. Champagne! It’s like a fancy party for your salad.
Blend those together until they’re smooth, and then, while the blender is still whirring, slowly drizzle in 1 cup of olive oil. This is where the magic happens—your dressing should start to emulsify and become all creamy and luscious. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance the tartness, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it, and you might just find yourself sneaking a spoonful.
Now, back to that beautiful salad. Drizzle the dressing over the greens, but hold on—don’t douse it like you’re trying to put out a fire. Just add as much as you like, toss it gently, and then sprinkle on 3 tablespoons of grated asiago cheese. The cheese adds a delightful creamy texture that just ties everything together.
And voilà! Your Strawberry Salad is ready to serve. It’s fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-tasty. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. Who knew salads could look this good and taste even better? Enjoy!
Strawberry Salad Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve whipped up a vibrant Strawberry Salad, let’s talk about how you can customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
If you’re out of pecans, try walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. Swap the bacon for crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Don’t have asiago cheese? Feta or goat cheese works beautifully too! For the greens, mix in arugula or kale for added flavor.
You can also experiment with different dressings—balsamic vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing can add a unique twist.
Your salad, your rules! Enjoy making it your own!
What to Serve with Strawberry Salad
What pairs perfectly with an invigorating Strawberry Salad? I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a delightful protein boost.
The freshness of the salad complements the smoky flavors beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider a crusty baguette or some garlic bread to soak up the dressing.
For a light twist, a chilled white wine or sparkling water with a hint of lime makes an excellent drink choice.
Don’t forget a side of creamy goat cheese or a selection of olives for that extra touch. It all comes together for a revitalizing dining experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
When preparing your Strawberry Salad, remember that fresh ingredients make all the difference. I always choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
If you can, use organic spinach and mixed greens; they taste so much better. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings like feta or goat cheese if you want a different twist!
For the dressing, adjusting the sugar to your taste is key—just a little can balance the acidity perfectly.
Finally, toss the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors; it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate!