Description
This Fresh Strawberry Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for spring and summer. Combining juicy strawberries, mixed greens, creamy feta, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a sweet and tangy honey vinaigrette, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a light main course or an elegant side, it’s quick to prepare and sure to brighten up any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Walnuts (chopped and toasted)
Honey Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons Honey (pure)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Rinse the fresh strawberries gently under cold water. Hull and slice them into halves or quarters as preferred. Set them aside in a bowl to allow their natural juices to develop.
- Prepare Salad Greens: Rinse the mixed salad greens thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and debris. Dry them using a salad spinner or pat gently with paper towels. Place the dried greens in a large salad bowl.
- Toast Walnuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for about 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly before using.
- Make Honey Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, combine honey, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until well combined and emulsified, forming a smooth vinaigrette.
- Toss Greens and Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl containing mixed greens and gently toss to combine so the strawberries are evenly distributed.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad to add a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries and fresh greens.
- Add Toasted Walnuts: Evenly distribute the toasted walnuts over the salad to add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle half of the honey vinaigrette over the salad, then gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and add more vinaigrette if desired to avoid overdressing.
- Serve: Once well mixed, serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures at their best.
Notes
- Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy textural contrast.
- Adjust the amount of honey and vinegar in the vinaigrette to suit your preferred sweetness and acidity.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or mint.
- This salad is best served freshly made to maintain the crispness of the greens.
- To make it vegan, substitute feta cheese with vegan cheese or omit it altogether.
