Name: Strawberry Balsamic Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 cups mixed greens (I used baby spinach and arugula mix); 2 cups strawberries (sliced); 1/4 cup goat cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup candied walnuts; maple balsamic dressing (recipe); Cracked black pepper (to taste)

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There’s something incredibly refreshing about a Strawberry Balsamic Salad. Every time I prepare this dish, it takes me back to sunny picnics in the park, where the air is warm and laughter fills the atmosphere. The vibrant colors of fresh produce, especially the slices of strawberries nestled among crisp greens, instantly brighten up any meal. This salad has become my go-to whenever I want to impress guests or simply indulge in a nutritious treat that feels like a celebration. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic, and crunchy walnuts creates a wonderful symphony of flavors and textures that is hard to resist.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
15 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Blender, Food Processor, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

What’s Great About This Strawberry Balsamic Salad

1. A Burst of Freshness

With each bite of Strawberry Balsamic Salad, you experience a burst of freshness from the mixed greens. The baby spinach and arugula provide a mild, peppery taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

2. Nutrient-Packed Goodness

This salad is packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. The greens are rich in vitamins and minerals, while the strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, perfect for boosting your immune system.

3. Easy to Prepare

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. You can have the entire salad ready in a matter of minutes. Making the candied walnuts can be done ahead of time, and the maple balsamic dressing is a simple blend of ingredients that you can whip up in a flash.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

The versatility of the Strawberry Balsamic Salad makes it suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a casual lunch, or celebrating a special occasion, this salad fits right in.

5. A Delight for the Senses

Not only does this salad taste amazing, but it looks beautiful on the plate. The vibrant colors of the greens, strawberries, and goat cheese create an inviting presentation that is sure to whet anyone’s appetite.

6. Customizable to Your Taste

If you’re feeling creative, the Strawberry Balsamic Salad is highly customizable. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it even heartier.

What’s In This Strawberry Balsamic Salad

The ingredients in the Strawberry Balsamic Salad are simple yet powerful. Each component plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the salad. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements creates an unforgettable experience.

6 cups mixed greens, I used baby spinach and arugula mix: These greens provide a fresh and peppery base that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the strawberries.
2 cups strawberries, sliced: Sweet and juicy, these strawberries are the star of the salad, bringing a fresh burst of flavor.
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled: This creamy cheese adds a rich layer of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
1/4 cup candied maple walnuts: The sweetness and crunch of these nuts elevate the salad, making each bite satisfying.
maple balsamic herb dressing, recipe: A homemade dressing that ties all the flavors together, adding a tangy sweetness.
Cracked black pepper, to taste: A dash of pepper enhances the flavors, giving the salad a little kick.

How to Prepare Strawberry Balsamic Salad

Preparing the Strawberry Balsamic Salad is a breeze and can be done in just a few simple steps. Follow along as I guide you through the process of creating this delightful dish.

Start by making the candied walnuts. In a small pan, combine walnuts with a bit of sugar and cook over medium heat until they caramelize. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Once done, spread them on parchment paper to cool completely. This can be done a day ahead if you’d like to save time.
Next, prepare the maple balsamic dressing. In a blender, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and a splash of olive oil. Blend until smooth and emulsified. If you prefer, you can also whisk the ingredients together in a mason jar.
Now it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and the crunchy candied walnuts. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.
Finally, drizzle the maple balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss again. You can also serve it drizzled over individual portions for a nice presentation.
Season with cracked black pepper to taste. This adds a lovely finishing touch that enhances the flavors.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in your Strawberry Balsamic Salad.

Things Worth Knowing

Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Look for bright green leaves and ripe strawberries.
Candied Walnuts: You can make a larger batch of candied walnuts and store them for future salads or snacks.
Dress Earlier: If you want to save time, prepare the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate it.
Serving Temperature: The salad is best served fresh, but you can let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking to enhance or modify your Strawberry Balsamic Salad, here are some great ways to adapt the recipe to your taste.

Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing: This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh ingredients, but you can freeze the candied walnuts for later use.
Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, making it a fantastic main dish for a light dinner.
Seasonal Variations: Feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits. Peaches or blueberries make excellent substitutes for strawberries.
Nut Alternatives: If you have nut allergies, you can exclude the candied walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Serving Ideas for Strawberry Balsamic Salad

If you’re wondering how to serve the Strawberry Balsamic Salad for different occasions, here are some ideas:

Summer Picnics: This salad makes a great addition to any summer picnic or barbecue. It’s light, refreshing, and complements grilled meats beautifully.
Light Lunch: Serve it as a main dish for a light lunch, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or a small bowl of soup.
Brunch Events: Perfect for brunch, pair it with quiches or savory pastries for a delightful spread.
Seasonal Parties: This salad shines at holiday gatherings, bringing vibrant colors to the table. It also suits spring events perfectly.
Simple Dinner: For a quick weeknight dinner, serve it as a side with grilled fish or chicken for a nutritious meal.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them separately to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

FAQ

The Strawberry Balsamic Salad offers a delightful combination of flavors. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the tangy balsamic dressing. The creamy goat cheese adds richness, while the candied walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy that will please any palate.

Yes, you can prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Salad ahead of time! To do this, you can make the candied walnuts and the maple balsamic dressing a day in advance. However, I recommend assembling the salad just before serving to keep the mixed greens crisp and fresh. If you must prepare it early, store the components separately to maintain their texture.

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, there are several tasty alternatives you can use in the Strawberry Balsamic Salad. Feta cheese is a popular choice, offering a similar crumbly texture with a salty flavor. Another alternative is ricotta for a creamier option, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan substitute. Just keep in mind that each cheese will impart its unique flavor, so choose one that you enjoy!

If you’d like to make the Strawberry Balsamic Salad more filling, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent choices that complement the salad’s flavors. You could also use chickpeas or roasted tofu for a vegetarian option, providing a good protein source while enhancing the taste of this fresh dish. Just make sure to adjust the dressing quantity to balance the additional ingredients.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Balsamic Salad is truly a delightful dish that combines fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re enjoying it at a picnic or as a light dinner, this salad is sure to impress. I encourage you to try making it and share it with friends and family. You won’t regret adding this refreshing salad to your recipe collection.