Fresh & Healthy Strawberry Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

Welcome to your new favorite summer salad! This delightful Strawberry Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors and textures, making it the perfect addition to any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive BBQ. It combines sweet, juicy strawberries with crisp baby spinach and peppery arugula, complemented by crunchy chopped pecans and creamy feta cheese. Drizzled with a light and zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing, then beautifully garnished with bright blueberries, sliced ripe avocado, and optional tender chicken, this salad is truly a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy it throughout the warm summer months or as a refreshing, light option any time of the year!

Why This Strawberry Salad is a Must-Try

Looking for a vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly easy salad that can serve as both a delightful side dish or a wholesome main course? This versatile Strawberry Salad fits the bill perfectly! It’s brimming with the fresh, juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, the tangy bite of feta cheese crumbles, the creamy richness of avocado, and a bright lemon vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together. The optional addition of plump blueberries adds another layer of fruitiness and visual appeal.

Beyond its incredible taste, this salad offers fantastic versatility. For a heartier meal, you can effortlessly incorporate protein. Simply add slices of leftover grilled chicken from your latest BBQ, or shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option. This makes it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. And while it shines brightest in the summer, don’t let that limit you! Fresh strawberries and blueberries are often available year-round, allowing you to enjoy this lighter fare even during the colder months when you crave a burst of freshness.

RELATED: Craving more refreshing meal ideas? You might also like this recipe – Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

The Crunch and Texture: Pecans and Beyond

The roughly chopped pecans are a game-changer in this salad, adding a wonderful toasted crunch and a subtle buttery flavor that perfectly complements the soft greens and juicy fruit. If pecans aren’t your favorite, or if you simply want to experiment, feel free to substitute them with another type of nut. Slivered almonds offer a delicate crunch, while walnuts provide a slightly more robust, earthy note. Even toasted pistachios could add a fantastic color and unique flavor. Toasting your nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor and make them even more aromatic, truly elevating the salad experience.

Crafting the Perfect Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

For this Strawberry Salad, I specifically designed the dressing to be light and refreshing, ensuring that the natural sweetness of the strawberries and the vibrant flavors of the other fresh ingredients truly shine through. A simple lemon vinaigrette provides just the right amount of tang and brightness without overpowering the delicate components of the salad.

However, if your palate prefers a richer, creamier dressing, don’t hesitate to customize it! You can easily transform the vinaigrette by whisking in a small amount of mayonnaise for a velvety texture, or a touch of Dijon mustard for an added layer of piquant flavor. For a hint of sweetness to balance the tang, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also be incorporated. Remember, the beauty of homemade dressings is their adaptability to your personal taste. Experiment and make it your own!

Greens and Cheese: Endless Possibilities

The base of this salad features tender baby spinach and crisp arugula, a classic combination that offers both a mild and a peppery flavor profile. However, if you’re looking to mix things up or simply prefer other greens, this recipe is highly adaptable. Baby kale, with its slightly firmer texture and earthy notes, would also pair wonderfully with the sweet strawberries. Alternatively, a vibrant spring mix could be added to or used instead of the baby spinach for a broader array of leafy greens.

Similarly, the feta cheese, with its delightful salty and tangy crumbles, adds a fantastic savory counterpoint to the fruit. But don’t feel limited! You can easily swap the feta for an equal amount of blue cheese crumbles for a more pungent flavor, or goat cheese for a creamier, milder tang. For an truly indulgent touch, consider crumbling in a soft, mild Brie or a rich Camembert, which would melt ever-so-slightly into the warm dressing (if the salad sits) and create a luxurious experience.

The Freshness Factor: Arugula, Red Onion, and Avocado

The addition of arugula is intentional for its distinctive peppery bite, which provides a lovely contrast to the sweet strawberries and creamy avocado. It elevates the salad from simply sweet to a more complex and engaging flavor profile. For those who enjoy variety, incorporating a spring mix alongside or in place of the baby spinach and arugula can introduce an even wider range of textures and subtle flavors. The thinly sliced red onion offers a sharp, pungent kick that brightens the salad and adds another layer of zest. The creamy, smooth slices of ripe avocado provide a rich, healthy fat that balances the acidity of the dressing and the sweetness of the fruit, making each forkful incredibly satisfying.

Due to its vibrant colors and stunning presentation, this strawberry salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for entertaining. Imagine bringing this gorgeous, jewel-toned salad to your next BBQ, potluck, or family gathering – it’s sure to be a showstopper and a conversation starter! Its blend of refreshing flavors and satisfying textures makes it a crowd-plepleaser for any event.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Strawberry Salad

Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to making this salad truly spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and flavorful dish:

• 1 pound (16 ounces/454 grams) fresh strawberries, washed, tops cut and quartered (Choose firm, brightly colored berries for the best flavor)
• 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach, washed and dry (Ensuring the spinach is dry prevents the dressing from becoming watery)
• 2 cups arugula, washed and dry (Adds a delightful peppery kick)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced and finely chopped (Provides a sharp, tangy contrast)
• 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (For that essential crunch and nutty flavor)
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced, for topping (Adds creamy texture and healthy fats)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, diced or crumbled, extra for topping (Delivers a salty, tangy balance)
• 1 cup blueberries for topping (optional), washed and dry (Enhances visual appeal and adds extra fruitiness)

The Simple Yet Flavorful Lemon Vinaigrette

This light vinaigrette allows the natural flavors of the salad ingredients to shine. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (Choose a good quality oil for the best flavor)
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (from about 1/2 a lemon, adjust to your preferred tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, or more, to taste (Adds a subtle depth of flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or more to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt, amount to taste

Handy Kitchen Tools for Making Strawberry Salad

Having the right tools can make preparing this fresh salad even easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of kitchen essentials that will help you whip up this delightful dish:

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl for tossing all the salad ingredients.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wet measure: For liquid ingredients like olive oil and lemon juice.
• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the vinaigrette ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: For slicing and chopping strawberries, avocado, and red onion.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for all your chopping needs.
• Mason jar with lid (1 cup size) or small container: Perfect for shaking up the dressing and storing any leftovers.

I am confident that you will absolutely adore this Strawberry Salad recipe! Its blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, combined with delightful textures, creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Please let me know in the comments below what special occasion you decide to make it for, or if it becomes a new staple in your weekly meal rotation. I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!

Do you find yourself with leftover strawberries after making this incredible salad? Don’t let those juicy gems go to waste! Strawberries are incredibly versatile and can be used in a myriad of delicious ways. From sweet desserts to refreshing drinks, there are countless possibilities to enjoy them. Check out some of our other favorite strawberry recipes below for more inspiration and creative ways to incorporate this beloved fruit into your cooking!

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