This Easy Summer Strawberry Salad is a fresh delight! With bright strawberries and crunchy greens, it’s perfect for a sunny day or a picnic. A drizzle of dressing adds a nice touch!
I love how quick this salad comes together—just toss the ingredients and enjoy! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy strawberries while they’re in season. Who knew salads could be this fun? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: A blend of greens like baby spinach and arugula gives great flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can use romaine or even kale for more crunch.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here! If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries work too, but drain any excess liquid before adding.
Mandarin Oranges: Fresh mandarin oranges are ideal, but canned ones in juice can be a great substitute. Just drain them well to avoid extra liquid in your salad.
Cheese: I love feta for its tang, but goat cheese is also creamy and delicious. For a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast sprinkled on top.
Pecans: Toasted pecans add a lovely crunch, but you can swap in walnuts or almonds if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
How Do I Make the Dressing Without It Separating?
The dressing is super easy, but ensuring that it stays emulsified can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps to mix the oil and vinegar better.
- Whisk them together well—this creates an emulsion. A jar with a lid works too; just shake it up!
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
With these tips, you’ll have a stunning salad that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite of freshness!
Easy Summer Strawberry Salad With Fresh Greens
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, red leaf lettuce)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a refreshing summer meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large salad bowl. Add in your fresh mixed greens. Layer in the sliced strawberries, mandarin orange segments, blueberries, and sliced green onions. Then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans on top. This colorful mix will make your salad pop!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together vigorously, or simply put the lid on the jar and shake it up! You want it to blend well into a nice, smooth dressing.
3. Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad. With clean hands or using salad tongs, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best freshness and crunch! Enjoy your delightful summer salad!
This vibrant, easy-to-make salad is a perfect dish for sunny days! Enjoy each refreshing bite! 🌞🍓
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Summer Strawberry Salad
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges for any seasonal fruits you like. Raspberries, peaches, or even apples would make great additions!
How Do I Keep the Salad Fresh for Later?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep the greens crisp, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time! Just keep the chopped salad components and dressing separate in the fridge. Combine them right before serving for optimal freshness.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, goat cheese is a tasty alternative. For a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!
