Strawberry Arugula Salad

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a Strawberry Arugula Salad. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this delightful combination; it was a sunny spring afternoon. I had a craving for something light yet satisfying, and when I saw the bright, vibrant strawberries nestled amongst the peppery arugula, I knew I was onto something special. The colors and flavors danced on my palate, embodying the very essence of spring. It felt like a little celebration on my plate, bursting with freshness and nutrition. Whether it’s for a summer picnic or a light dinner, this salad has become a staple in my kitchen.

Main Ingredients for Strawberry Arugula Salad

This Strawberry Arugula Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The key players—arugula, strawberries, and avocados—work in harmony, providing a mix of flavors, textures, and colors. The goat cheese adds creaminess, while the nuts deliver a satisfying crunch. This salad embodies the joys of fresh produce and is perfect for any occasion.

• 1 small package of arugula, washed – The peppery taste of arugula is the perfect base for this salad, offering a unique flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries.
• 1 pound of strawberries, thinly sliced – Bursting with sweetness, these fresh strawberries are the star ingredient, adding vibrant color and a delicious fruity note.
• 1 red onion, sliced – The mild sharpness of red onion contributes a nice contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese – This creamy element adds a rich texture and tangy flavor, making every bite a bit more indulgent.
• 2 ripe avocados, diced – Creamy and buttery, avocados lend a luxurious feel to the salad, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
• 1/2 cup of pine nuts – These nuts add a subtle nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, elevating the texture of the dish.
• 1/2 cup of walnuts – Adding a heartiness to the salad, walnuts bring in additional crunch and flavor.
• 1 cup of radishes, halved and thinly sliced (about 3-4 medium) – A touch of spice and a crispy texture, radishes enhance the salad’s freshness.
• 1/2 cup of green onions – Adding a mild onion flavor, green onions contribute brightness to the dish.
• 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil – The base of the vinaigrette, this oil brings richness and flavor, making it essential for dressing the salad.
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar – Adding acidity, balsamic vinegar balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the avocados.
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice – A touch of brightness that enhances the flavors of the salad, making everything come together beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey – To sweeten the vinaigrette, adding a touch of natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced – A hint of garlic flavor adds depth and layers to the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds – These tiny seeds add a visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor to the vinaigrette.
• Pinch of fine sea salt to taste – Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-seasoned salad.
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste – A touch of black pepper adds warmth and complexity to the dish.

The Process for Making Strawberry Arugula Salad

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into making this delightful Strawberry Arugula Salad. The steps are simple and straightforward, ensuring that you can whip this up in no time. Just follow along, and you’ll have a beautiful salad ready to impress!

1. Start by washing and drying the arugula. Use a salad spinner or paper towels to ensure it’s nice and dry. This step is important because any excess moisture can make the salad watery, which we want to avoid. Once it’s washed, you can set it aside in a large bowl.
2. Next, prepare the other ingredients. Slice the strawberries thinly, ensuring they are fresh and juicy. The quality of your strawberries makes a big difference in the final flavor. You can also slice the red onion at this point, keeping the pieces thin to avoid overpowering the salad.
3. In the same bowl as the arugula, add all the prepared salad ingredients: the sliced strawberries, avocados, crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese, diced radishes, and chopped green onions. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to ensure that every bite is full of flavor.
4. Now, let’s prepare the vinaigrette. In a separate small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, and poppy seeds. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. This dressing should have a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors, enhancing the salad.
5. Once the vinaigrette is ready, pour it over the salad ingredients in the larger bowl. Be generous, as the dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together. Gently toss everything with your hands or a large spoon, ensuring that the arugula and other ingredients are well coated without bruising them.
6. Now, it’s time to season. Add a pinch of fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This simple seasoning will elevate the flavors even further, so don’t skip this step!
7. After seasoning, consider refrigerating the salad for a short while. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, if you’re serving it right away, that’s perfectly fine too.
8. When ready to serve, give the salad one final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. The Strawberry Arugula Salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately for the best experience.
9. Pair it with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to create a more substantial meal. Enjoy the vibrant freshness of this delightful salad!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

While the Strawberry Arugula Salad is delicious as is, there are numerous ways to personalize it. Experimenting with different ingredients can lead to delightful variations!

• Add protein: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
• Vegan option: To make this salad vegan, omit the cheese and opt for a plant-based dressing.
• Different greens: Substitute arugula with other greens like spinach or mixed salad greens for a different flavor profile.
• Fruit variations: Try swapping or mixing in other fruits like blueberries or pears for added sweetness.
• Nut-free version: If you have nut allergies, simply leave out the pine nuts and walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds.
• Herb addition: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can elevate the flavor and aroma of the salad.
• Spicy kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a little heat if you enjoy spicy dishes!

How to Serve Strawberry Arugula Salad

Serving your Strawberry Arugula Salad can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some engaging ways to present and enjoy this refreshing dish:

• Pair with grilled meats: This salad complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully, making it perfect for summer barbecues.
• Perfect for brunch: Serve it as a light side dish at brunch gatherings, paired with other favorites like omelets or quiches.
• Picnic favorite: Pack it for picnics; its freshness will be a hit amongst all your friends and family.
• Wrap it up: Use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, bringing in that fresh flavor wherever you go.
• Seasonal serving: Ideal for spring gatherings or Easter celebrations, this salad captures the essence of the season.
• Storing leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Arugula Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring. With its combination of fresh ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. I encourage you to try making this salad; it’s not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy the bright, refreshing taste!

Strawberry Arugula Salad

Savor the refreshing taste of Strawberry Arugula Salad packed with vibrant fruits, creamy avocados, and crunchy nuts. This easy weeknight dinner is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for something light and delicious. Whip it up tonight for a burst of flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 small package arugula washed
• 1 pound strawberries thinly sliced
• 1 red onion sliced
• 4 ounces goat cheese or feta cheese
• 2 ripe avocados diced
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 cup radishes halved and thinly sliced (about 3-4 medium)
• 1/2 cup green onions
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 pinch fine sea salt to taste
• 1 freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Wash and dry the arugula well using a salad spinner or paper towels. Also, prep the other veggies and fruits.
2. Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl.
3. In another small bowl, combine the vinaigrette ingredients.
4. Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
5. Refrigerate and serve.

Notes

• Let guests dress their own salads: If you serve people you do not know well, do not dress the salad for them. Let them do it themselves and give them a variety of choices.
• Keep it fresh: Also, leave the salad bare if you’re still unsure if it will all be eaten. Once it is dressed, it will become soggy more quickly.
• Blanch the arugula: Blanch the arugula for 30 seconds to remove the bitterness before drying it and using it in the salad.
• Wash strawberries right before use: Please do not wash the strawberries until right before you are ready to use them.
• Dry all ingredients: Ensure you dry all the ingredients well so the salad is not watery.

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.