Strawberry Salad with Toasted Nuts, Feta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
This fresh and vibrant Strawberry Salad combines toasted nuts, mixed greens, and tangy goat cheese with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and bursts with seasonal flavors balanced by the sweet strawberries and crunchy nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- ½ cup pecans, almonds, or walnuts (50g)
- 5 ounces mixed greens (such as baby spinach or arugula, about 5 cups)
- ¼ cup sliced red onion (30g)
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (150g)
- ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (55g)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
Instructions
- Toast the Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans, almonds, or walnuts evenly on a small baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they become toasted and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced red onion, fresh strawberries, and crumbled feta or goat cheese. Toss gently to mix these fresh ingredients evenly.
- Make the Balsamic Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing into a smooth vinaigrette. Alternatively, you can place all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted nuts over the salad. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the top to taste. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Toss gently to combine all the flavors and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- You can use any combination of pecans, almonds, or walnuts based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For a nut-free option, simply omit the toasted nuts or use roasted chickpeas for crunch.
- The salad is best served immediately after assembling to keep the greens crisp and the strawberries fresh.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Feel free to substitute goat cheese with feta or another crumbly cheese to suit your taste.
