Description
A refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad featuring fresh strawberries, mixed greens, tangy feta cheese, toasted almonds, and a homemade champagne vinaigrette dressing. This vibrant salad offers a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, perfect for a light and healthy meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and slice the fresh strawberries, then set them aside to maintain their freshness.
- Prepare Greens: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly, then place them in a large salad bowl to form the salad base.
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the mixed greens for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Add Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the greens and feta, adding a mild sharpness.
- Toast Almonds: Toast the sliced almonds in a small pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and fragrant, then remove from heat and let them cool for a crunchy topping.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined, creating a balanced champagne vinaigrette.
- Dress Salad: Pour the champagne vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss the salad to coat the mixed greens, feta, and onions evenly with the dressing.
- Add Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries on top of the salad and give it another gentle toss to distribute the fruit without bruising.
- Add Almonds: Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top of the salad for added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Ensure almonds are toasted just until golden to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit almonds or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- Serve immediately after tossing to keep mixed greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing to taste if preferred.
