Emily’s Strawberry Balsamic Salad is a delightful fusion of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures that come together to create a refreshing and nutritious dish. This recipe is a celebration of natural ingredients, perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated starter.
Ingredients and Preparation:
The salad begins with a base of fresh, crisp greens. Emily prefers a mix of arugula and baby spinach, providing a peppery and slightly sweet foundation. To this, she adds thinly sliced ripe strawberries, which bring a burst of sweetness and a vibrant red hue. The strawberries not only add a delightful contrast to the greens but are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
To enhance the flavor profile, Emily incorporates creamy goat cheese crumbles. Their tangy and rich flavor complements the sweetness of the strawberries, adding a layer of complexity to the dish. For a bit of crunch, she sprinkles on a handful of toasted almonds. These not only contribute a nutty flavor but also add a delightful textural contrast.
Dressing:
The salad is dressed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, which Emily prepares by whisking together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a touch of honey for sweetness, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is the star of the show; it perfectly balances the sweet and tangy notes of the salad, tying all the flavors together harmoniously.
Serving:
Before serving, Emily gently tosses the salad to ensure that each leaf is lightly coated with the dressing. She then plates the salad, making sure to distribute the strawberries, goat cheese, and almonds evenly. A final drizzle of the balsamic vinaigrette on top adds an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish.
Variations and Tips: Emily’s Strawberry Balsamic Salad is versatile and can be adapted to include other seasonal fruits or nuts. She sometimes adds slices of grilled chicken or avocado for a more substantial meal. The key to this salad is the freshness of the ingredients, so she always recommends using the ripest strawberries and high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best taste experience.
This salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for a summer day, Emily’s Strawberry Balsamic Salad is sure to delight the palate and nourish the body.
Step 1: To make the dressing, place the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a mini food processor. Pulse until blended. Slowly pour in the olive oil, and pulse again until thoroughly blended. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Divide lettuce between 6 serving plates, and top with red onion, almonds, strawberries, and feta cheese. Serve dressing on the side.
Feedback of Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad Recipes
Great recipe for a hot day. I marinated some chicken in the basalmic dressing and bar-b-qued it on the grill.
Loved it. I followed the recipe and it turned out great.
Very good will make again
This salad was fantastic! I only made a couple minor changes. I used a 50/50 spring mix-spinach blend for the salad, omitted the shallot and I toasted the almonds in a frying pan with a teaspoon of butter and pinch of salt. Myself and our dinner guests were blown away by how good the dressing was. So delicious and simple.
I think this is a great and easy recipe. I couldn’t fine any shallot so I didn’t use any but it still turned out great. I am a fan of vinaigrette and this one is definitely a favorite !!
excellent!!
Awesome recipe. Had enough dressing to make the salad a second time. The toasted almonds really add to the texture so don’t skip that. I also added some chicken breast that I pan fried in olive oil. Make sure you chop it up and toss it in with the dressing. A crowd pleaser ;)
Great salad. Will definitely make it again. Probably tomorrow.
spinach walnuts & craisens
All Nutrifacts of Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad Recipes
TOP 5+ FAQ Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad Recipes
✅What are the key ingredients in Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad?
Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad boasts a delightful mix of fresh strawberries, crisp greens, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Key ingredients include ripe strawberries, mixed salad greens, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts, which are tossed together and drizzled with a homemade balsamic dressing.
✅How does the strawberry balsamic combination enhance the salad's flavor?
The combination of strawberries and balsamic in the salad creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The strawberries bring a natural sweetness and juicy texture, while the balsamic vinaigrette adds a zesty and slightly acidic kick. This pairing elevates the overall taste, making it a refreshing and gourmet experience.
✅What nutritional benefits does the salad offer?
Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad is not only delicious but also nutritionally rich. Strawberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, while the greens provide essential nutrients like iron and folate. The nuts add healthy fats and proteins, and the feta cheese contributes calcium, making this salad a well-rounded, healthy meal option.
✅Is this salad suitable for special diets?
This salad is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. It is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based alternative. For those on a low-carb diet, the natural sugars in the strawberries make this an acceptable choice.
✅How can one customize Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad?
Customizing this salad is simple and allows for creativity. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor, or include additional fruits like blueberries or avocado for more variety and richness.
✅What is the best occasion to serve this salad?
Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad is perfect for various occasions. It's a hit at summer barbecues and picnics, elegant enough for dinner parties, and ideal for a light and healthy lunch. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any event.
✅Can the salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, the salad can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble the greens, strawberries, cheese, and nuts in a bowl and refrigerate. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent the greens from wilting.
✅What is the ideal dressing for Emily's Strawberry Balsamic Salad?
The ideal dressing for this salad is a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It's a simple mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a hint of sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and a touch of mustard for depth. This dressing complements the salad's flavors and enhances its overall taste.
