Looking for a dish that’s both refreshing and packed with flavor? Look no further! My Strawberry Basil Salad combines sweet strawberries, aromatic basil, and creamy feta for a delightful taste experience. Perfect for warm days or as a light side, this salad is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Dive into the recipe and tips that will make you a salad pro in no time!
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
– 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
Additional Ingredients
– ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
– ¼ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
– 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Nutritional Information
– Calories per serving: 150
– Fat: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 12g
– Protein: 5g
When making a strawberry basil salad, you want the freshest ingredients. Fresh strawberries add sweetness. Basil brings a lovely herbal note. Baby spinach adds a nice crunch.
For extra flavor, feta cheese offers a creamy touch. Walnuts add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Balsamic glaze gives a sweet-tart kick. Finally, olive oil helps bring all the flavors together.
The salad is light yet filling. Each serving has only 150 calories. It’s a great choice for lunch or a side dish. You can enjoy this salad guilt-free and feel good about your meal.
If you want, you can find the full recipe for more details.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin. Next, toss in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces. Finally, add 1 cup of baby spinach, chopped finely. These three ingredients create a fresh and colorful base for your salad.
Adding Flavor and Texture
Now, it’s time to enhance the salad. Sprinkle in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. This cheese adds a savory touch that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Next, add ¼ cup of coarsely chopped walnuts. They bring a nice crunch and a nutty flavor to the mix.
Final Touches
To finish, drizzle 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the salad. This glaze gives a sweet and tangy contrast to the fresh ingredients. Also, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients well. Be careful not to mash the strawberries! Lastly, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting it to your liking. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Salad
To make the best Strawberry Basil Salad, start by picking fresh strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red and firm. Avoid ones with bruises or soft spots. For basil, choose vibrant green leaves. They should feel fresh, not wilted.
When you toss your salad, do it gently. Use a large spoon and lift the ingredients. This way, you mix everything without crushing the strawberries. You want to keep their shape and juice intact for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad shines at summer picnics or family gatherings. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The sweet and tangy flavors complement savory dishes beautifully.
For a fun presentation, serve it in a large, colorful bowl. You can also divide it among smaller plates for guests. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top for a stunning finish. A sprig of basil on each plate adds a nice touch.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to a day. The longer it sits, the softer the strawberries get. To keep them fresh, add the dressing just before serving. This helps maintain the crispness of the salad.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change up the ingredients in your Strawberry Basil Salad. If you want a different taste, try using goat cheese instead of feta. Goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds. They add great crunch without allergens.
If you prefer a different texture, replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients and give a nice bite. You can also add toasted almonds for a nutty twist. Just remember to keep it balanced with fresh flavors.
Dressing Alternatives
While balsamic glaze is a hit, you can explore other dressings too. A honey mustard dressing can bring a sweet and tangy vibe. Just mix honey, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. It’s simple and refreshing.
Another great choice is a yogurt dressing. Blend plain yogurt with lemon juice and herbs for creaminess. This adds a light and zesty touch. You can even use a store-bought vinaigrette for quick prep. Each option will give your salad a new spin.
Seasonal Variations
The beauty of this salad is its flexibility. In summer, add peaches or nectarines for extra sweetness. In the fall, swap strawberries for apples or pears. This keeps the salad exciting all year round.
During winter, use dried cranberries for a burst of flavor. You can also toss in roasted butternut squash for warmth. This way, you can enjoy the salad’s freshness no matter the season.
For the full recipe, check out Strawberry Basil Delight.
Storage Info
Storing the Salad
To keep your Strawberry Basil Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any air getting in. The salad stays fresh for about 2 days in the fridge. After that, the strawberries may get mushy.
Preparing in Advance
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, do not add the dressing yet. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. You can mix the strawberries, basil, spinach, and feta in advance. Just add the walnuts and dressing right before serving.
Freezing Options
Freezing the salad is not recommended. The fresh ingredients, especially strawberries and basil, do not freeze well. They can lose their texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, it’s best to eat them fresh instead of freezing.
For the full recipe, check out Strawberry Basil Delight.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of strawberries and basil?
Strawberries are rich in vitamins. They have high amounts of vitamin C. This vitamin boosts your immune system and helps skin health. Strawberries also contain antioxidants. These protect your cells from damage.
Basil is not just tasty; it offers many health perks too. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with digestion and reduce stress. Together, strawberries and basil make a great pair for your health.
Can I make Strawberry Basil Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this salad ahead. Just keep some tips in mind. Slice the strawberries and tear the basil leaves, but wait to mix them. Combine all ingredients just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and vibrant.
Is Strawberry Basil Salad suitable for dietary restrictions?
This salad fits many diets. It is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. For nut-free options, skip the walnuts. You can also replace feta cheese with a dairy-free option. This makes it safe for those with allergies.
What can I serve with Strawberry Basil Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes nicely with a light pasta dish. For a vegetarian option, serve it next to stuffed peppers. You can use it as a refreshing side for any meal.
How to add protein to the salad?
Adding protein is easy! Grilled chicken slices work great. You can also use shrimp or tofu if you prefer. For a quick option, add canned chickpeas. This turns the salad into a complete meal. Enjoy it as a filling lunch or dinner.
For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Basil Delight!
This blog post covered how to make a fresh and tasty Strawberry Basil Salad. We explored ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and variations to keep your salad exciting. I shared tips for selection and storage, ensuring your salad stays delicious longer.
In closing, this salad is not only simple to make but packed with nutrition too. Enjoy its fresh taste at any meal or occasion! Try it out, and you’ll love it.
