Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh strawberries with savory ingredients like feta cheese, Turkey Bacon, and grilled chicken. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a light dinner at home. Its vibrant colors and sweet-tangy dressing make it not only appealing to the eyes but also bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, salty feta, and crunchy pecans creates a unique taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and quick prep time, this salad can be ready in just 27 minutes.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main course, this Strawberry Fields Salad fits any meal or gathering.
- Healthful Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from pecans, it’s nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Seasonal Appeal: Ideal for spring and summer months when strawberries are at their peak freshness.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Strawberry Fields Salad efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment can streamline your preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Salad tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy tossing of the salad ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Useful for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly for an even flavor distribution.
- Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the glazed pecans evenly in the oven.
- Salad tongs: Make serving and mixing the salad effortless, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Strawberry Fields Salad with juicy fresh strawberries, feta cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, Turkey Bacon, grilled chicken, glazed pecans, and a sweet and tangy dressing is bursting with flavor.
For the Salad Base
- 1 (5-ounce) package mixed greens
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 4 slices Turkey Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1/2 cup glazed pecans (recipe below)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
For Glazed Pecans
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Strawberry Fields Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, white sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until well combined.
Step 2: Make the Glazed Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, white sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil. Add pecan halves and stir for about 30 seconds to coat them well. Transfer them onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss together mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onion rings, dried cranberries, feta cheese crumbles, sliced grilled chicken breasts, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and the glazed pecans.
Step 4: Dress Your Salad
Drizzle your desired amount of dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Fields Salad!
How to Serve Strawberry Fields Salad
Serving Strawberry Fields Salad can elevate any meal or gathering. This vibrant salad not only looks attractive but also offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.
As a Main Course
- A filling option: Add extra grilled chicken or turkey bacon for a heartier salad that can stand alone as a main dish.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect pairing: Serve it alongside grilled meats or fish. The sweet and tangy dressing complements savory dishes beautifully.
At a Picnic
- Easy to transport: Pack the salad in a portable container with the dressing separate. Toss just before serving for maximum freshness.
For Meal Prep
- Quick lunches: Prepare individual servings in mason jars, layering the ingredients for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
How to Perfect Strawberry Fields Salad
To make your Strawberry Fields Salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and freshness.
- Use fresh ingredients: Select ripe strawberries and crisp greens for the best taste.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other fruits based on your preference.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and pecans in advance to save time on serving day.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the dressing and modify the honey or sugar levels according to your personal sweetness preference.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Fields Salad
Complementing your Strawberry Fields Salad with delicious side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in herbs and spices, then grill for added flavor.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a comforting touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roast seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a nutritious side.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette adds protein and texture.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits pairs well with the sweet flavors of the salad.
- Cheese Board: Include various cheeses that complement the feta in your salad, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Strawberry Fields Salad can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the Dressing: Not making the dressing fresh can dull the flavors. Always whip up a homemade dressing for maximum taste.
- Overdressing the Salad: Using too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little and add more if needed.
- Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin your salad. Choose fresh strawberries and crisp greens for the best flavor.
- Cutting Ingredients Incorrectly: Improperly sliced ingredients can affect texture. Aim for even slices of strawberries and onions for a balanced bite.
- Not Balancing Flavors: Failing to balance sweet and savory elements may lead to a bland salad. Ensure you have a mix of sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and savory bacon.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Fields Salad in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Fields Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in fresh ingredients.
- If necessary, consider freezing only grilled chicken or pecans separately.
Reheating Strawberry Fields Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm chicken for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Fields Salad?
Strawberry Fields Salad is a vibrant dish featuring fresh strawberries, mixed greens, feta cheese, grilled chicken, turkey bacon, and glazed pecans, all tossed together with a sweet and tangy dressing.
Can I customize my Strawberry Fields Salad?
Absolutely! You can add or substitute ingredients like nuts, fruits, or proteins based on your preference.
Is Strawberry Fields Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients from fruits and greens while providing protein from chicken and turkey bacon.
How long does it take to make Strawberry Fields Salad?
It takes approximately 27 minutes to prepare this delicious salad from start to finish.
Can I make Strawberry Fields Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare most components ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until serving for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Fields Salad is not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or changing up the dressing. This salad makes for a light meal or side dish that’s perfect for any season. Give it a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Strawberry Fields Salad
Strawberry Fields Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of fresh strawberries with savory elements like feta cheese, Turkey Bacon, and grilled chicken. Ideal for summer picnics or light dinners, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. The sweet-tangy dressing complements the vibrant ingredients, creating a delightful taste experience. Perfect as a side or main course, it fits seamlessly into any meal or gathering. With its healthful ingredients, including protein-rich chicken and healthy fats from pecans, this salad offers both nutrition and satisfaction. Enjoy the burst of freshness from ripe strawberries and seasonal greens in every bite.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Fresh strawberries
- Red onion
- Dried cranberries
- Feta cheese
- Turkey Bacon
- Grilled chicken
- Glazed pecans
- Olive oil (for dressing)
- Apple cider vinegar (for dressing)
Instructions
- Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a mixing bowl to create the dressing.
- For glazed pecans, combine water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan; add pecans and bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until golden.
- In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with strawberries, red onion rings, dried cranberries, feta cheese crumbles, sliced grilled chicken breasts, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and glazed pecans.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg