Delicious Salad Recipe with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Ready in about 40 minutes, this delicious salad recipe with strawberry vinaigrette is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed salad greens – Choose a variety of greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine for a mix of flavors and nutrients.
• 1 cup sliced strawberries – Opt for ripe and sweet strawberries to add a burst of freshness to the salad.
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – The salty and creamy feta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries.
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds – Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced – Soak the sliced onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out its sharp flavor.

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and red onion. This creates a colorful and nutritious base for your salad.
2. Drizzle the strawberry vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. The homemade dressing adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the salad.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is sure to please your taste buds.

Tips & Variations

• When slicing the strawberries, make sure they are ripe and juicy for the best flavor. If strawberries are not in season, you can use other fruits like raspberries or mandarin oranges.
• You can swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.
• To make this salad vegan, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like tofu or nutritional yeast. You can also add avocado slices for a creamy element.
• To add some protein, you can top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. Quinoa or chickpeas are also great plant-based protein options to make the salad more filling.
• Be careful not to overdress the salad with the vinaigrette, as it can overpower the other flavors. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.

Serving & Storage

This Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad Recipe pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and almonds for an extra visual appeal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

FAQs

Can I substitute certain ingredients?

You can easily swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans if desired. Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients. Other cheese options like mozzarella or cheddar can also be used.

How do I prevent common mistakes?

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, add the vinaigrette just before serving. Also, make sure to dry the salad greens thoroughly after washing them to avoid excess moisture. Additionally, store the salad and dressing separately if you anticipate leftovers.

Can I make this ahead or freeze it?

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time but wait to add the vinaigrette until you are ready to serve. It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the greens may change when thawed. However, you can freeze leftover strawberries to use in smoothies or sauces.

Conclusion

Try this refreshing and flavorful Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad Recipe for a light and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a summer lunch or as a side dish for dinner. With the right combination of ingredients and flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

Recipe