Imagine a salad so vibrant and refreshing that it transforms your ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. Our Green Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette is not just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the crisp freshness of mixed greens, the sweet burst of strawberries, and a tantalizing vinaigrette that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for summer gatherings, health-conscious foodies, or anyone looking to elevate their salad game with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Strawberries, sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Walnuts, chopped
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to ensure crisp texture.
- Slice fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces, approximately 1/4 inch thick for even distribution throughout the salad.
- In a small mixing bowl, prepare the vinaigrette by combining balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are fully emulsified and create a smooth, glossy dressing.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and provide a slight crunch.
- In a large salad bowl, gently place the mixed greens as a base layer, creating a soft, voluminous foundation.
- Artfully arrange the sliced strawberries across the greens, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad, allowing it to create white, creamy pockets among the greens.
- Distribute the toasted walnuts evenly across the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Just before serving, drizzle the prepared strawberry balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, using a light hand to avoid overwhelming the fresh ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all components are lightly coated with the dressing, being careful not to bruise the delicate greens.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the greens and the freshness of the ingredients.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure strawberries are at room temperature to maximize their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Salad Green Preparation: Always wash and thoroughly dry your greens to prevent a soggy salad. A salad spinner is your best friend for achieving that perfect crisp texture.
- Vinaigrette Emulsification: Whisk the dressing vigorously or use a small jar with a tight lid to shake ingredients, ensuring a smooth, well-blended dressing.
- Nut Toasting Technique: Watch walnuts carefully while toasting – they can burn quickly. Remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant and golden.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Dress just before serving to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap feta for goat cheese or add grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
