Strawberry Balsamic Salad

There’s something truly magical about a vibrant Strawberry Balsamic Salad, especially when the weather warms up and nature bursts with life. I remember the first time I made this salad; it was a sunny afternoon, and the garden was in full bloom. I had just picked a basket of ripe strawberries and wanted to create a dish that celebrated their sweetness. This salad became an instant favorite at our family gatherings. The balance of flavors, the crunch of the vegetables, and the tangy dressing make it a refreshing option for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just treating yourself, this salad is bound to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients makes it not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. You can’t help but feel cheerful when you dig into a bowl of this colorful creation!

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Balsamic Salad

When preparing the Strawberry Balsamic Salad, the ingredients are as important as the recipe itself. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors. The freshness of the salad is key, and using high-quality, seasonal ingredients will elevate your dish significantly. From the succulent strawberries to the crunchy vegetables, everything is designed to work in harmony.

• 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped – This crisp lettuce provides a refreshing base for the salad.
• 1 lb. strawberries, hulled and sliced – Sweet and juicy, these berries are the star of the dish.
• 5 oz. bag spinach – Adds vibrant color and a nutrient boost.
• 1 pear, thinly sliced and halved or chopped – Provides an additional layer of sweetness.
• 1 cucumber, chopped – Offers a refreshing crunch.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped – Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1/4 large red onion, thinly sliced – Introduces a savory bite.
• 1 package ramen noodles, crushed, flavor packet discarded – Adds an unexpected crunch.
• 1/3 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds – Provides a nutty flavor and texture.
• 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbles – Creamy and tangy, it complements the sweet fruits.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – A key ingredient in the vinaigrette.
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled – Adds even more sweetness to the dish.
• 1/2 cup aged balsamic vinegar – Gives the vinaigrette its rich and tangy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds depth to the dressing.
• 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onions – Enhances the flavor of the vinaigrette.
• 1 clove garlic, peeled – Adds aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 tsp EACH paprika, salt – For seasoning.
• 1/4 tsp EACH dried thyme, pepper – Adds an earthy flavor.
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil – The base of your vinaigrette.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds – Adds a delightful crunch to the dressing.

How to Assemble Strawberry Balsamic Salad

Assembling the Strawberry Balsamic Salad is as enjoyable as eating it. You get to layer all those fresh ingredients, and watching the colors come together is truly satisfying. Follow these simple steps to create a salad that not only tastes good but looks beautiful on your plate.

1. Add all of the vinaigrette ingredients (except the olive oil) into a blender. Blend until smooth. It’s important to get a good consistency, so don’t rush this step. As you’re blending, gradually add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. This helps emulsify the dressing and gives it a creamy texture. Once blended, whisk in the poppy seeds for a little crunch.
2. If you’re making the salad right away, chill the vinaigrette in the freezer for a few minutes or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The cold dressing will contrast nicely with the warmth of the other ingredients. If you’re prepping ahead, just keep it in the fridge until serving.
3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. While it’s heating up, prepare the Caramelized Pecans according to your preferred recipe. The sweet, crunchy pecans will add a lovely texture to your salad, so don’t skip this step! Set them aside once they’re ready.
4. On a baking sheet, toss the ramen noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread them out evenly and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure they toast evenly. You want them golden and crispy, which will provide a wonderful crunch to your salad.
5. When the noodles are crispy, it’s time to assemble the salad! In a large bowl, layer all the salad ingredients: start with the chopped romaine lettuce and spinach, followed by the sliced strawberries, pear, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Each layer adds its own flavor and texture, making every bite a delightful experience.
6. Before serving, add the toasted ramen noodles and the caramelized pecans on top. These toppings not only add flavor but also a nice crunch. If you’re expecting leftovers, dress only the portions you plan to serve immediately to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. Toss the remaining salad with the dressing just before eating.
7. If you’re making ahead, keep the pear separate until ready to serve to avoid browning. When it’s time to eat, add the pear slices, then drizzle the chilled vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything without bruising the delicate fruits.
8. Serve immediately and watch as your guests marvel at the colorful presentation. This salad is perfect for sharing, and I guarantee it will be a hit at any gathering!

Variations to Try

The beauty of the Strawberry Balsamic Salad is its versatility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste!

• Try different fruits: Substitute or add fruits like blackberries, blueberries, or peaches for a unique twist.
• Incorporate proteins: Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas can turn this salad into a hearty meal.
• Use different greens: Mix up the greens by adding arugula or kale for a different flavor profile.
• Make it a grain salad: Add cooked quinoa or farro for a filling side dish.
• Spice up the dressing: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sriracha to the vinaigrette for a spicy kick.
• Change the cheese: Goat cheese is great, but feel free to swap in feta or blue cheese for a different taste.
• Pick your nuts: Instead of sunflower seeds, try almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving the Strawberry Balsamic Salad, there are so many ways to enjoy it. Here are some suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy dinner.
• Perfect Picnic Food: Pack it for picnics or outdoor events; the fresh ingredients hold up well and can be dressed just before serving.
• Lunch Option: Enjoy it as a refreshing lunch option, perfect for a quick meal when you’re short on time.
• Special Occasions: This salad is an eye-catching addition to any holiday table, especially during spring and summer gatherings.
• Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to maintain crunchiness.
• Seasonal Pairings: This salad works beautifully with seasonal dishes such as grilled asparagus or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Healthy Snack: Enjoy a small portion as a nutritious snack between meals.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Balsamic Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that truly makes it special. The vibrant colors and rich flavors come together to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a picnic, a family dinner, or just a light lunch, this salad will surely brighten your table!

Strawberry Balsamic Salad

The ultimate summer salad is here! The Strawberry Balsamic Salad combines fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light and refreshing dish. Perfect for picnics or a quick lunch, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. Try it tonight for a burst of flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Blender
• Food Processor
• Oven
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 small head romaine lettuce chopped
• 1 lb strawberries hulled and sliced
• 5 oz spinach bag
• 1 pear thinly sliced and halved or chopped
• 1 cucumber chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1/4 large red onion thinly sliced
• 1 package ramen noodles crushed, flavor packet discarded
• 1/3 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
• 4 oz goat cheese crumbles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup strawberries hulled
• 1/2 cup aged balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon
• 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onions
• 1 clove garlic peeled
• 1/2 TSP EACH paprika
• 1/2 TSP EACH salt
• 1/4 TSP EACH dried thyme
• 1/4 TSP EACH pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

 

• Add all of the vinaigrette ingredients (except the olive oil) into a blender. Blend until smooth. It's important to get a good consistency, so don’t rush this step. As you're blending, gradually add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. This helps emulsify the dressing and gives it a creamy texture. Once blended, whisk in the poppy seeds for a little crunch.
• If you're making the salad right away, chill the vinaigrette in the freezer for a few minutes or refrigerate until you're ready to serve. The cold dressing will contrast nicely with the warmth of the other ingredients. If you're prepping ahead, just keep it in the fridge until serving.
• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. While it's heating up, prepare the Caramelized Pecans according to your preferred recipe. The sweet, crunchy pecans will add a lovely texture to your salad, so don’t skip this step! Set them aside once they're ready.
• On a baking sheet, toss the ramen noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread them out evenly and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure they toast evenly. You want them golden and crispy, which will provide a wonderful crunch to your salad.
• When the noodles are crispy, it’s time to assemble the salad! In a large bowl, layer all the salad ingredients: start with the chopped romaine lettuce and spinach, followed by the sliced strawberries, pear, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Each layer adds its own flavor and texture, making every bite a delightful experience.
• Before serving, add the toasted ramen noodles and the caramelized pecans on top. These toppings not only add flavor but also a nice crunch. If you’re expecting leftovers, dress only the portions you plan to serve immediately to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. Toss the remaining salad with the dressing just before eating.
• If you’re making ahead, keep the pear separate until ready to serve to avoid browning. When it’s time to eat, add the pear slices, then drizzle the chilled vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything without bruising the delicate fruits.
• Serve immediately and watch as your guests marvel at the colorful presentation. This salad is perfect for sharing, and I guarantee it will be a hit at any gathering!

Notes

• Chilling the Dressing: It's best to chill the vinaigrette before serving, as it enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing taste against the salad components.
• Ingredient Freshness: Use the freshest ingredients you can find. The quality of the strawberries and greens will significantly impact the flavor of the salad.
• Serving Size: Adjust the serving size based on your crowd. This salad is easily scalable for larger groups.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately to maintain freshness. Dress individual portions just before eating.

Keyword Balsamic Salad Recipe, Fresh Strawberry Salad, Healthy Salad Ideas, Spring Salad

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!