Strawberry salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish with a mix of textures and flavors. It is bursting with sweet strawberries, crunchy greens, and a variety of toppings. It’s a treat for your taste buds and a nutritious choice for any meal.
Delightful Strawberry Dressing
Strawberries are the highlight of this salad, and you can slice or quarter them to sprinkle over the greens. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, they add a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the crispness of the salad greens. However, the vinaigrette dressing may just steal the show. Creamy and delicious, it derives its strawberry flavor and vibrant color from jam.
Selecting Greens for Strawberry Salad
Selecting the right greens is essential for enhancing the flavors of strawberries. Consider options like mixed salad greens, spinach, or arugula, which add texture and a contrasting flavor. You can also use a head of red or green leaf lettuce torn into pieces. One of my favorite choices for this salad is baby green leaf lettuce, specifically Sunny Crunch by Bright Farms, as it has a mild flavor that complements the strawberries well.
Nuts and Seeds: Adding Crunch and Flavor
Toasted almond slivers provide crunch and an additional layer of flavor. Try substituting pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for almonds to add variety to this salad.
I prefer to purchase toasted almonds for convenience. Alternatively, you can toast them in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes, stirring them to ensure even browning. Nuts burn easily, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of browning. Cool them before adding them to the salad. You can quickly cool them by moving the hot almonds to a plate to cool and then placing them in the freezer for a few minutes.
The Savory Crunch of Bacon for Strawberry Salad
Crispy bacon adds a crunch and savory flavor to the strawberry salad, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the strawberries and the freshness of the greens. Its rich taste elevates the dish and contrasts with the other ingredients, making every bite a delicious balance of flavors. However, if you prefer a vegetarian salad, omit the bacon and add a few more toasted almonds or two or three tablespoons of sunflower seeds.
Bursting with Flavor: The Role of Tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes bring a juicy freshness to the strawberry salad, enhancing its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor. Their natural acidity balances the bacon’s richness and the cheese’s creaminess, creating a harmonious mix that elevates the overall taste profile of the dish. Use tomatoes in a variety of colors to add both delicious flavor and a beautiful appeal to the salad.
Cheese: A Creamy Counterpoint
Adding shredded parmesan cheese introduces a salty element that contrasts with the crisp greens and sweet strawberries. Alternatively, consider feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella to enhance the overall flavor profile and add a creamy touch. Combining cheese and strawberries creates a delicious balance that elevates every bite.
Dressing: The Finishing Touch for Strawberry Salad
The homemade strawberry dressing ties all the components of this salad together. It is light and zesty, preserving the freshness of the ingredients. The dressing is easy to make by blending all the ingredients in a food chopper or processor. If you prefer packaged dressing, consider citrus-based vinaigrettes or a balsamic reduction to add brightness and a tangy kick that heightens the salad’s flavors without overpowering the strawberries.
Other Salads You Might Enjoy
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Strawberry Salad
Equipment
- food processor, mini chopper, or blender
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 slices crispy bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces baby greens mix
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup of grape or cherry tomatoes in mixed colors
- ¼ cup toasted almond slivers
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 6 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Salad
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Cool for a few minutes, and then chop it. Set aside.
- Add the salad greens to a large serving bowl.
- Wash, drain, hull, and slice the strawberries. Add them to the salad.
- Add the tomatoes.
- Just before serving, add the bacon and almonds. Gently toss. Then, sprinkle the salad with Parmesan cheese.
Dressing
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a food processor. Blend until emulsified.