Strawberry Sunshine Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a strawberry feta salad ? Honestly, who wouldn't? This salad is sweet, salty, and just screams summer. It's also super easy to make.

Strawberry Feta Salad: Sunshine on a Plate

This isn't your boring old salad. It's a vibrant Mediterranean salad recipe , bursting with flavor. This simple feta salad recipe is ready in minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

It serves four hungry people.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Feta Salad

This strawberry spinach salad isn't just tasty; it's good for you too! Strawberries are packed with antioxidants. It's also great for a BBQ or a picnic.

What makes it special is the balsamic glaze it just takes it to the next level!

Let's Talk Ingredients

Craving Easy Salad Recipes ? Then start with the best ingredients! For the salad you will need baby arugula, juicy strawberries, and crumbled feta.

To make balsamic glaze, you'll need balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper. The toasted almonds add a delightful crunch! Using fresh and ripe strawberries is key.

This recipe is perfect for any summer salad recipes .

My Strawberry Feta Adventure

I first made this strawberry feta salad at a potluck. I was nervous no one would like it! To my surprise it was a hit, the best moment was when my mates called it “Sunshine in a bowl”.

I have been making it ever since. Now, it’s a staple salad recipe for dinner .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Salad Recipes

Ready to whip up a Strawberry Feta Salad ? This Feta Salad Recipe is super simple! Honestly, it's one of my go-to Easy Salad Recipes .

Let’s gather everything. Get ready for a burst of summer!

Main Ingredients Deconstructed

Let's break down what you'll need. I always say, good ingredients equal a great salad. Don't skimp on quality! We will make the Strawberry Feta .

• Baby Arugula: 5 ounces (140g) . Fresh and vibrant!
• Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound (450g) . Look for bright red, fragrant berries.
• Feta Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) . Get a block in brine if you can.
• Sliced Almonds: 1/4 cup (30g) . Toasted, they add a fab crunch.
• Red Onion (optional): 1/4 cup (40g) . Thinly sliced, adds a zing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) . The good stuff makes a difference.
• Maple Syrup (or Honey): 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon .
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

When thinking about a Strawberry Salad with Balsamic , the balsamic vinegar is the key.

Seasoning Notes

This Strawberry Feta Salad is all about balance. A bit of sweet, a bit of tangy, and a touch of salty. Don't be afraid to experiment!

• Essential Spice Combinations: A pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper are a must!
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard create that classic flavor.
• Quick Substitution Options: Honey for maple syrup. Agave works too.

This recipe is one of the Summer Salad Recipes I make on repeat.

Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this Strawberry Spinach Salad , or most Salad Recipes for Dinner . Just the basics.

• Small Skillet: For toasting those almonds.
• Whisk: To get that dressing nice and emulsified.
• Large Bowl: To toss it all together.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, right?

Alternatives? A frying pan can work if you don't have a skillet. A fork can sub for a whisk in a pinch.

It's an Easy Salad Recipes after all. Enjoy your Mediterranean Salad Recipe .

The Secret to a Knockout Strawberry Feta Salad

Okay, let's be real. We've all been to those summer BBQs. You know, the ones with the sad, wilted lettuce and gloppy potato salad? Not this time! This Strawberry Feta Salad recipe is gonna blow everyone away.

Honestly, it's so easy, it feels like cheating. It's not just one of those easy salad recipes , this is a wow kind of salad.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. Wash and hull 1 pound of fresh strawberries . Slice 'em up. Crumble 4 ounces of feta cheese seriously, buy a block and crumble it yourself.

It tastes way better. Grab your 5 ounces of baby arugula. Get a 1/4 cup of sliced almonds ready to toast.

Got everything? Good! Also consider a thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup

Strawberry Feta Salad step-by-step

1. Toast the almonds : Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and toast for 3- 5 minutes , stirring so they don't burn. The key is constant movement! Watch carefully .
2. Make that glaze: In a bowl, whisk 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Then, slowly whisk in 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Strawberry and Feta heaven : Throw your arugula, strawberries, feta, and red onion (if using) into a big bowl.
4. Dress it up: Drizzle that balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss gently.
5. Top it off: Sprinkle with the toasted almonds. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips and Hacks: Making This Feta Salad Recipe Sing!

Want to take your Strawberry Spinach Salad (or arugula salad!) to the next level? Here's my secret weapon: Use in-season strawberries .

They're sweeter and juicier! Trust me. Start with a little glaze and add more to taste. The best salad recipes are about balance.

It's also a great summer salad recipes . Also if you want a mediterranean salad recipe , use extra virgin olive oil.

You know? The one from your local organic store.

Alright, so you've whipped up this amazing strawberry feta salad . Now what? Here's the lowdown on serving, storing, and tweaking it to your heart's content. It's gonna be epic!

Recipe Notes: Your Strawberry Feta Salad HQ

This isn’t just some thrown together salad recipe for dinner . Nope! This Strawberry Feta Salad is an experience. So let's treat it that way, shall we?

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Salad Game

Presentation matters, darlings! I like to arrange my Strawberry Feta Salad artfully. Think scattered strawberries, a generous sprinkle of feta, and those gorgeous toasted almonds on top.

Maybe even a few extra balsamic drizzles for that “oh la la” effect. Pair this Mediterranean Salad Recipe with grilled salmon for a fancy dinner.

Or, keep it simple with some crusty bread to soak up all that balsamic goodness. A glass of chilled Prosecco? Oh my gosh, chef's kiss ! You deserve it after all this hard work creating Best Salad Recipes .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? No worries!

• Refrigeration: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days . Honestly, it's best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing this strawberry spinach salad . The textures will suffer, and nobody wants mushy strawberries. Eww.
• Reheating: Just kidding. You don't reheat a salad, silly! However, if you pre-made the balsamic glaze, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before using.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Honestly? The possibilities are endless!

• Dietary Adaptations: Swap feta for goat cheese for a less salty kick. You can also use agave or brown sugar instead of maple syrup/honey.

• Seasonal Swaps: No strawberries? No problem! Use blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches in the summer. This summer salad recipe is super versatile.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. Each serving has approximately 280 calories. You also get a good dose of protein (10g) from the feta and healthy fats (20g) from the olive oil and almonds.

Plus, plenty of vitamins from those gorgeous strawberries. Honestly, knowing what you're eating makes you feel good! I think so.

So there you have it! Your strawberry salad with balsamic game just leveled up. Now go forth and impress your friends and fam with this easy salad recipe ! You got this!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the strawberry feta salad ahead of time?

You can definitely prep parts of the salad in advance! Toast the almonds and whisk the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store them separately. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from getting soggy.

Think of it like building a proper trifle layering at the last minute is key!

What other cheeses can I use if I don’t like feta in my strawberry feta salad?

Not a feta fan? No worries, mate! Goat cheese is a fantastic alternative, offering a milder, tangier flavour. You could also try fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the seasoning slightly, as feta tends to be saltier.

How long will this strawberry feta salad last in the fridge?

Unfortunately, dressed salad greens don’t have a very long shelf life. The strawberry feta salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling. If you have leftovers, they’ll likely only be good for about a day in the fridge, and the arugula may wilt a bit.

For best results, store undressed salad components separately.

Is this strawberry feta salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from the strawberries, arugula, and almonds. Strawberries are full of vitamin C and antioxidants, while arugula is a good source of vitamins A and K. Just be mindful of the amount of balsamic glaze you use, as it can add extra sugar.

Also, consider the sodium content of the feta if you are watching your salt intake.

What can I add to this strawberry feta salad to make it a full meal?

Looking to turn this into a main course? Adding some grilled chicken or shrimp would make it more substantial. Some quinoa or farro would add some filling carbs. You could even toss in some toasted chickpeas for a plant based protein boost a bit like a posh ploughman's lunch!