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This Strawberry Salad is light and refreshing. Like the first beautiful day of Spring. Add our simple vinaigrette dressing, and you have a dish full of color, light flavors, and warm weather flavors. A breath of fresh air in a salad bowl.
This salad is perfect any time of year, but it really brings together Spring produce for a special side salad or light main dish. It is a visual and flavor journey that delights all of the senses.
If you are looking for other great Spring flavors, check out this Creamy Asparagus Soup, these sweet Lemon Rhubarb bars, or maybe this savory Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus with Orange Honey Glaze. No matter what you make, make sure to treat yourself!
Table of Contents
🍓 Ingredients
Strawberries are in the name, so there is that. It does take some other ingredients to pull this together. Here is what you will need:
See the recipe card for quantities.
Crispy Chickpeas
I list this as an optional ingredient, but it adds to this salad. Adding these to the mix takes some extra prep work but might be worth it if you want to make a special salad.
Take one can of chickpeas and drain them. Toss with two Tablespoons of Olive oil, a Tablespoon of garlic powder, and a teaspoon of salt. On a baking sheet, bake at 375° Fahrenheit until crispy… about 20 minutes.
🍲 Instructions
To prepare this delightful Strawberry Salad with Simple Vinaigrette Dressing, begin by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set the dressing aside while you assemble the salad.
In a large bowl, combine torn or chopped Spring lettuce mix (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine), sliced strawberries, thinly sliced shallots, chopped cucumber, diced avocado, pine nuts, crispy chickpeas, and crumbled feta cheese. These fresh and flavorful ingredients combine to create a symphony of taste, color, and texture.
Add your ingredients to the bowl and toss. Pour the prepared vinaigrette dressing over the top. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing and satisfying combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy chickpeas.
🤷 Substitutions and variations
The possibilities are as vast as your imagination! Feel free to experiment with different greens such as kale or mixed baby greens for a twist on the base of your salad.
Swap out the strawberries for another seasonal fruit like raspberries or blueberries to change up the flavor profile. If shallots aren’t your thing, red onions or green onions can add a similar pop of flavor. Instead of the crispy chickpeas, you could use your favorite croutons.
For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative and use agave instead of honey. Get creative and tailor this salad to your taste preferences and dietary needs!
📦 Storage
To keep your Strawberry Salad with Simple Vinaigrette Dressing fresh and flavorful, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will typically last for 1-2 days, although it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you’ve dressed the entire salad, the greens may become soggy over time, so consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. Give the salad a quick toss before enjoying any leftovers to redistribute the flavors.
🎓 History tidbit
Did you know that strawberries have been enjoyed for centuries, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient Rome? However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that strawberries gained widespread popularity, thanks to improved cultivation techniques and transportation. These vibrant berries quickly became a beloved ingredient in various culinary creations, including salads. Strawberries continue to captivate taste buds with their sweet and tangy flavor, making them a delightful addition to salads like this one. So, as you eat this Strawberry Salad with Simple Vinaigrette Dressing, you’re not just tasting a dish – you’re savoring a fruit with a rich and flavorful history!
❓ FAQ
Adding a variety of ingredients such as herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, cheeses, and homemade dressings can enhance the flavor profile of your salad. Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect balance of flavors that appeal to your taste buds.
Yes, many salad dressings can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more robust and delicious dressing. Just be sure to give it a good shake or stir before using it on your salad.
To keep your salad fresh for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve the salad to prevent the greens from wilting. Additionally, adding ingredients like avocado or citrus fruits at the last minute can help preserve the freshness of the salad.
📝 Tips and tricks
- To make the lettuce look pretty, only add half of the lettuce topping ingredients and toss. Add remaining ingredients to top once fully topped.
- Dressing can be made beforehand, but make sure to mix before tossing
- To make chickpeas, drain from can and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of salt. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until crispy and allow to cool.
🛠 Products used in this recipe
😋 Did you make this recipe?
That is awesome, and thank you so much for giving this Strawberry Salad with Simple Vinaigrette Dressing recipe a try. If you could leave a rating in the comment area below, it would be greatly appreciated. This lets me know how I am doing and also helps others decide if they want to make this recipe. Most of all, thanks for visiting Ramshackle Pantry.
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Strawberry Salad with Simple Vinaigrette Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toss
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a burst of flavor with this refreshing Strawberry Salad featuring a mix of greens, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
For Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about one lemon)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
- Salt, 3/4 teaspoon or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
For salad:
- 8 cups of torn or chopped Spring lettuce mix (I use equal parts spinach, arugula, and romain) – about 8 ounces
- 2 cup sliced strawberries (about 230 grams)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 40 grams)
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1 avocado, skinned, and chopped
- 1/3 cup pine nut
- 1/2 cup crispy chickpeas (see notes and optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (100 grams)
- Zest from one lemon
Instructions
- Mix Dressing: Mix all vinaigrette dressing and mix until emulsified.
- Place aside while tossing salad
- Construct Salad: Mix remaining salad ingredients in large bowl (see notes)
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Add dressing and toss until well combine.
- Serve
Notes
- To make the lettuce look pretty, only add half of the lettuce topping ingredients and toss. Add remaining ingredients to top once fully topped.
- Dressing can be made beforehand, but make sure to mix before tossing
- To make chickpeas, drain from can and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of salt. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until crispy and allow to cool.
