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- 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, fresh arugula, crisp romaine) - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, lightly toasted - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced - 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste To get the best ingredients, visit local farmers' markets. Look for bright greens and firm strawberries. Check the feta cheese for freshness; it should be creamy and crumbly. For walnuts, choose unsalted and lightly toasted for the best flavor. When buying balsamic vinaigrette, opt for a high-quality brand or make your own. - Mixed salad greens: Low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C. - Strawberries: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, low in sugar. - Feta cheese: Contains protein and calcium, adds a creamy texture. - Walnuts: Good source of healthy fats and omega-3s, supports heart health. - Red onion: Provides fiber and antioxidants, adds a mild sharpness. - Balsamic vinaigrette: Adds flavor with fewer calories than creamy dressings. - Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidants, boosts flavor. - Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balance. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by rinsing 4 cups of mixed salad greens under cold water. This step is key to removing dirt and grit. Use a paper towel or salad spinner to dry them well. Once dry, place the greens in a large salad bowl. Fluff them up gently to keep the texture light and airy. Next, grab 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Hull and slice them into thick rounds. Add these juicy slices to the salad bowl, spreading them evenly among the greens. Now, crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese and sprinkle it over the top. For some crunch, add 1/4 cup of lightly toasted walnuts. Finally, include 1/4 cup of finely sliced red onion for a mild sharpness. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette and 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk them until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Drizzle this dressing over the salad. Now, use two large salad spoons to gently toss everything together. Make sure all the greens are coated well and the toppings are evenly mixed. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it right away for the best taste or chill it for 15 minutes to let the flavors blend. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. I recommend using a salad spinner to remove excess water from the greens. This keeps them crisp. If you have leftovers, eat them within one day. The strawberries and greens lose texture quickly. Seasoning makes a big difference. Start with salt and pepper. Taste the salad after mixing. If it needs more tang, add a bit of balsamic vinaigrette. For extra sweetness, drizzle in some honey. Just a little can balance the flavors well. Serving is all about looks! Use a large bowl or individual plates. Arrange the greens first, then layer the strawberries and cheese. Add walnuts last for crunch. Garnish with more strawberry slices on top. This makes the salad pop and look inviting. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries and greens to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile and crunch. Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Prepare Ahead: If you're short on time, wash and dry the greens a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator to keep them crisp. {{image_4}} You can easily switch ingredients to fit your diet. If you want a vegan option, skip the feta cheese. Instead, try using avocado for creaminess. If you are gluten-free, make sure your balsamic vinaigrette is safe. You can even add chickpeas for extra protein and texture. To make this salad a full meal, add some protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp work well. If you prefer plant-based, try black beans or tofu. This will give you a hearty salad that fills you up while keeping it fresh and light. Change ingredients based on what is in season. In summer, add peaches or blueberries for a sweet twist. In fall, sliced apples or pears can give a nice crunch. You can also use nuts like pecans or almonds to change the flavor profile. Using seasonal ingredients keeps the salad exciting and flavorful all year round. To store leftover Strawberry Fields Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep air out. If you have any dressing left, store it separately. This way, it won’t make the greens soggy. This salad is best served cold and fresh. You don’t need to heat any ingredients. If you want to enjoy walnuts warm, toast them right before serving. This will boost their flavor and crunch. You can keep the salad in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the greens may wilt, and flavors may fade. Always check for freshness before eating. If it smells off or looks slimy, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can prepare parts of the salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the salad greens first. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. Slice the strawberries, and keep them in a separate container. You want them fresh when serving. Mix the dressing in another jar for easy access. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad when you’re ready. Besides balsamic vinaigrette, you can try other dressings. A honey mustard dressing adds a nice sweetness. Lemon vinaigrette gives a bright, zesty flavor. A yogurt-based dressing can add creaminess without extra fat. Feel free to experiment! Each dressing changes the salad's taste for variety. Not at all! You can swap strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries add a sweet burst. Sliced peaches or nectarines bring a juicy, summery taste. Even apples can work well for crunch. Use what you love, and enjoy the different flavors! In this blog post, I shared how to make a delicious Strawberry Fields Salad. You learned about the fresh ingredients, step-by-step prep, and tips for a great taste. I also gave ideas for food swaps and storage to keep your salad fresh. Explore your own flavor twists and enjoy the vibrant tastes of this dish. With a few simple steps, you can make a salad that pleases any palate. Enjoy your fresh, tasty creation!

Strawberry Fields Salad

A refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, strawberries, feta cheese, and walnuts, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette and honey.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (including baby spinach, fresh arugula, and crisp romaine)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thick rounds
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, lightly toasted for enhanced flavor
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced for a mild sharpness
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette for tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness
  • to taste salt and pepper, freshly cracked is best

Instructions
 

  • Start with the salad greens by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Use a paper towel or a salad spinner to dry them completely. Once dry, transfer the greens into a large salad bowl, ensuring they're well fluffed for a light texture.
  • Next, gently add the sliced strawberries to the bowl, distributing them evenly among the greens for a vibrant pop of color.
  • Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese, which provides a creamy contrast to the juicy strawberries, and sprinkle the toasted walnuts across the surface for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the balsamic vinaigrette and honey until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, balancing the sweetness and acidity.
  • Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad, then gently toss all the ingredients together with two large salad spoons until the greens are well coated and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
  • Take a moment to taste the salad, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if needed, to suit your palate.
  • Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a maximum of 15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

For a beautiful display, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large decorative platter. Garnish each serving with extra fresh strawberry slices and a few walnut halves on top.
Keyword feta, healthy, salad, strawberry, vegetarian