Take advantage of fresh berry season with this delicious Summer Strawberry Salad! This vibrant dish combines sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, and zesty mandarin oranges, making it the perfect addition to any summer gathering. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or looking for a refreshing side at dinner, this salad shines with its colorful ingredients and delightful flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fruits and creamy goat cheese offers a burst of flavors that refresh your palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish, main course, or even a light lunch; it fits any occasion!
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with vitamins from fresh fruits and healthy fats from pecans, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The bright colors of the salad not only taste great but also look stunning on any table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Summer Strawberry Salad, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your preparation process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small jar with lid
- Whisk or fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients without spilling.
- Small jar with lid: Great for shaking up your vinaigrette; ensures even distribution over the salad.
- Whisk or fork: Useful for blending dressing ingredients thoroughly for a smooth finish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this refreshing Summer Strawberry Salad:
For the Salad
- 8 ounces spring mix
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges
- 1/2 cup pecans (unsalted)
- 3.5 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 2 Tablespoons sliced green onions
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup orange sparkling juice (I used Sanpellegrino)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Summer Strawberry Salad
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Add the spring mix.
2. Toss in sliced strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, unsalted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced green onions.
3. Gently mix all the ingredients until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small jar:
1. Combine orange sparkling juice, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Secure the lid tightly.
3. Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Just before serving:
1. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with dressing.
Your Summer Strawberry Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.
How to Serve Summer Strawberry Salad
This Summer Strawberry Salad is a delightful dish that can brighten up any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Grilled Chicken – The savory flavor of grilled chicken complements the sweetness of strawberries perfectly.
- Grilled Shrimp – Light and succulent, grilled shrimp adds a delicious touch to this refreshing salad.
Add Extra Crunch
- Croutons – Toss in some homemade or store-bought croutons for an added crunch and texture.
- Toasted Nuts – Enhance the nutty flavor by using toasted almonds or walnuts alongside pecans.
Create a Meal-Prep Bowl
- Layer Ingredients – For meal prep, layer the salad ingredients in jars, keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat.
- Add Quinoa or Rice – For a more filling option, add cooked quinoa or rice as a base.
Enjoy with Bread
- Garlic Bread – A side of warm garlic bread pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Baguette Slices – Serve with crusty baguette slices for dipping into leftover dressing.
How to Perfect Summer Strawberry Salad
To make your Summer Strawberry Salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold flavors – Use ripe, fresh strawberries and other fruits for the best flavor. Sweet fruits enhance the overall taste.
- Fresh herbs – Add fresh mint or basil for an aromatic twist that brightens each bite.
- Chill before serving – Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Dress just before serving – Keep the dressing separate until just before you serve. This keeps ingredients crisp and fresh.
Best Side Dishes for Summer Strawberry Salad
This salad pairs well with various sides that complement its vibrant flavors. Here are some excellent choices to consider:
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn adds sweetness and makes a classic summer pairing.
- Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad offers a satisfying contrast to the lightness of the strawberry salad.
- Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw brings additional texture and balances out sweet flavors.
- Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella and basil on skewers provide an easy-to-eat option that enhances your meal.
- Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad with vinaigrette can be a great accompaniment, adding heartiness without being heavy.
- Fruit Platter – An assortment of seasonal fruits can complement the salad’s flavors while providing variety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Summer Strawberry Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or frozen fruits can lessen the flavor of your salad. Always opt for fresh strawberries and other fruits for the best taste.
Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed to achieve the desired flavor without overwhelming the ingredients.
Neglecting Texture: A salad needs a variety of textures to be enjoyable. Include crunchy elements like pecans or croutons alongside soft ingredients like goat cheese for balance.
Forgetting About Seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate your salad significantly. Don’t skip these seasonings when preparing your dressing or tossing your ingredients.
Not Preparing Ahead: Waiting until mealtime to make your salad can lead to last-minute stress. Prep ingredients in advance and store them properly for a quick assembly later.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Summer Strawberry Salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for 1-2 days in the fridge.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Freezing Summer Strawberry Salad
- Do not freeze this salad as the texture of fruits will deteriorate once thawed.
- For leftovers, consider freezing unused dressing separately if it contains no dairy.
Reheating Summer Strawberry Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; salads are best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid reheating; this dish is intended to be fresh.
- Stovetop: Not applicable for salads; enjoy cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruits can I add to my Summer Strawberry Salad?
You can add other berries like raspberries or blackberries, as well as sliced peaches or apples for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make this Summer Strawberry Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all ingredients in advance but it’s best to mix them just before serving for optimal freshness.
What is a good substitute for goat cheese in this recipe?
Feta cheese or ricotta cheese can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions.
How can I customize my Summer Strawberry Salad?
Feel free to add grilled chicken, quinoa, or avocado for added protein and heartiness. Adjust ingredients based on personal preference!
Final Thoughts
The Summer Strawberry Salad is a delightful way to celebrate fresh flavors during the warmer months. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to elegant dinners. Give this recipe a try and enjoy all that summer has to offer!
Summer Strawberry Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with our Summer Strawberry Salad, a refreshing blend of sweet strawberries, blueberries, and zesty mandarin oranges. This delightful dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as an elegant side for dinner gatherings. With creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans, every bite bursts with freshness. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but is also a nutritious addition to your meals. Enjoy it as a light lunch or paired with grilled proteins for a heartier option.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spring mix
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges
- 1/2 cup unsalted pecans
- 3.5 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup orange sparkling juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spring mix, sliced strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, goat cheese, and green onions.
- In a small jar with a lid, shake together orange sparkling juice, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg