Summer Strawberry Salad

Take advantage of fresh berry season with this delicious Summer Strawberry Salad! This vibrant dish shines with the sweetness of strawberries, the crunch of pecans, and a refreshing sparkling orange vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal on warm days, it brings the taste of summer to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just ten minutes of prep time, this salad comes together effortlessly.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of berries and citrus creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at gatherings or enjoy it as a light main dish; it fits any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from the fruits and nuts, this salad is both tasty and good for you.
• Beautiful Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this salad visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Summer Strawberry Salad, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small jar with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
• Small jar with lid: Perfect for shaking up your dressing, ensuring it’s well mixed for the best flavor.
• Knife & cutting board: Needed for slicing strawberries and green onions, providing precision in preparation.

Ingredients

To create this refreshing Summer Strawberry Salad, gather the following ingredients:

Greens and Fruits

• 8 ounces spring mix
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup mandarin oranges

Crunchy Additions

• 1/2 cup pecans (unsalted)
• 3.5 ounces crumbled goat cheese
• 2 Tablespoons sliced green onions

Dressing Components

• 1/2 cup orange sparkling juice (I used Sanpellegrino)
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 Tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

How to Make Summer Strawberry Salad

Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add all salad ingredients including spring mix, sliced strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, goat cheese, and green onions. Toss gently to combine.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small jar with a lid, combine orange sparkling juice, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly in the flavorful vinaigrette.

Enjoy your Summer Strawberry Salad as a refreshing side or a satisfying light meal!

How to Serve Summer Strawberry Salad

Summer Strawberry Salad is a versatile dish that can brighten up any meal. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or a family dinner, this salad pairs well with various foods and can be served in multiple ways.

As a Standalone Dish

• This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or dinner option. It’s refreshing and filling thanks to the nuts and cheese.

With Grilled Chicken

• Add grilled chicken breast on top for a protein boost. The flavors of the chicken complement the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• Serve the salad over cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrients. This makes for a hearty meal that’s still light.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Pair with slices of crusty baguette or whole grain bread. The bread helps soak up the delicious vinaigrette.

At a Barbecue

• Bring this salad to your next barbecue gathering. It adds a fresh element that balances out rich grilled meats.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include it in your brunch table alongside eggs and pastries. Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing for guests.

How to Perfect Summer Strawberry Salad

To ensure your Summer Strawberry Salad is always at its best, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and blueberries. The quality of the fruit significantly affects the flavor of your salad.

• Chill Your Salad: Refrigerate your salad before serving. A chilled salad is more refreshing and enhances the taste during hot summer days.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately. This helps maintain the freshness of the greens until you’re ready to serve.

• Experiment with Nuts: Try different nuts like walnuts or almonds for varying textures and flavors. Each nut brings its unique crunch to the dish.

• Add More Color: Feel free to add additional fruits like raspberries or kiwi for extra color and flavor complexity.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Strawberry Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Summer Strawberry Salad can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Mix seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus seasoned with olive oil and herbs, then grill them to perfection.

2. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs adds a delightful texture that complements the salad nicely.

3. Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges seasoned with paprika offer a sweet-savory balance to your meal.

4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide bright flavors that harmonize well with strawberry salad.

5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into leftover vinaigrette.

6. Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits can enhance your dining experience while keeping things light and refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Summer Strawberry Salad is easy, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish!

• Skipping fresh ingredients: Always use fresh strawberries and greens. Dull flavors come from wilted or old produce.
• Overdressing the salad: Less is more when it comes to dressing. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
• Neglecting seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper can enhance flavors significantly. Don’t skip this step!
• Not balancing textures: Include a variety of textures like crunchy pecans and creamy goat cheese for an exciting bite.
• Serving immediately after dressing: Letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving allows flavors to meld, making it tastier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Summer Strawberry Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh fruits and greens after thawing.
• Consider freezing components separately if you want to prepare in advance.

Reheating Summer Strawberry Salad

• Oven: Not recommended; salads are best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating as it will wilt the greens and alter the texture.
• Stovetop: Not suitable for salads; enjoy cold for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a delicious Summer Strawberry Salad.

Can I add other fruits to my Summer Strawberry Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits like raspberries or blackberries for additional flavor.

How long will my Summer Strawberry Salad last?

Your salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in my Summer Strawberry Salad?

You can use feta cheese or even a plant-based cheese alternative if desired!

Is it okay to prepare my Summer Strawberry Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients ahead but mix with dressing just before serving for best results.

Can I make a vegan version of this Summer Strawberry Salad?

Yes! Simply omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a plant-based option, and ensure all other ingredients align with your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Summer Strawberry Salad is not only vibrant and refreshing but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite nuts, cheeses, or even swapping out fruits based on what’s in season. Try this delightful dish today, and enjoy the taste of summer!

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Summer Strawberry Salad

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Summer Strawberry Salad. Bursting with sweetness from ripe strawberries, juicy blueberries, and zesty mandarin oranges, this salad is elevated by the crunch of pecans and a sparkling orange vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a delightful side dish at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, it’s not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritious ingredients. In just ten minutes, you can create a dish that embodies the essence of the season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces spring mix
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup mandarin oranges
• 1/2 cup unsalted pecans
• 3.5 ounces crumbled goat cheese or plant-based alternative
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup orange sparkling juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine spring mix, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, goat cheese, and green onions. Toss gently.
2. In a small jar with a lid, mix orange sparkling juice, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake well until combined.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 125mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg