Summer Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Move over boring salads and hello summer! This fresh and vibrant Summer Strawberry Salad will get you in the mood for summer, regardless of what time of year it is.
Strawberries may be available year-round in most parts of the country, but there’s something about strawberries during summer that makes them extra special. You can use it for pastries like Strawberry Breakfast Tarts. But! It is even better when you make a delectable homemade strawberry and balsamic dressing to top over fresh greens, strawberries, quinoa, avocado, and other goodies.
Whether you’re a daily salad eater or just trying to get in some extra veggies in a unique way, this strawberry salad will do the trick. It’s also friendly with most diets, including vegan, Whole-30, gluten-free, low-carb, and keto with simple modifications.
It’s easy to make and can easily be adapted into an entire meal with extra protein. Here’s what you’ll need.
Ingredients in this Summer Strawberry Salad
- Strawberries: Look for perfectly ripe strawberries with a strong, sweet smell to add loads of flavor.
- Spring mix: Any salad mix or lettuce will do, but I like spring mix since it’s ready to go and provides a variety of greens. Alternatively you could use fresh spinach leaves or chopped romaine lettuce.
- Balsamic vinegar: The tart flavors pair perfectly with sweet strawberries. You’ll use this to make the homemade strawberry dressing
- Honey: Adds sweetness to the dressing and enhances the sweet flavors of strawberry
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, flavor, and creaminess to the dressing
- Cooked quinoa: Add extra nutrients, wholesome carbs, and a nice texture to the salad
- Avocado: Add creamy bites of goodness and loads of healthy fats and fiber
- Chopped red onion: Give a bit of bite and offsets the sweet and tart flavors
- Feta cheese: Add savory and tangy flavors that go so well with strawberries, plus adds a bit of protein
Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Slices strawberries aren’t enough for this salad. Let’s kick up the seasonal flavors and top it off with a homemade strawberry dressing made from only clean, simple ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Dressing
Place 1 cup of fresh strawberries and 1 tablespoon each of balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil in a food processor. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Process 15 to 30 seconds until smooth.
Extra Tip: This dressing also works great as a strawberry sauce. Try it on top of vanilla ice cream or over meats such as chicken or seafood.
Add Extra Protein
This strawberry salad is loaded with nutrients and makes a great light lunch or side. You can modify it with extra protein to make it a complete meal. Try any of the following:
- Grilled chicken slices
- Canned or grilled salmon
- Sauteed shrimp
- Cooked and cooled chickpeas
Additional Toppings You Can Add
For extra flavor and nutrients add any combination of these:
- Toasted nuts such as sliced almonds, chopped pecans or pistachios
- Croutons or parmesan crisps for gluten-free/keto
- Additional fresh fruits such as blueberries or dried fruits such as dried cranberries
- Chia seeds or hemp hearts
- Additional veggies such as celery, cucumbers, or mushrooms.
Prep Ahead for Easy Lunches
This recipe is great for leftovers. Just make extra dressing and store it separately in the fridge for up to a week. Then simply assemble the salad for each meal and top with dressing.
Leftover tips: Don’t mix all of the dressing with the salad if you plan to save leftovers. It will wilt the lettuce leaves.
More Salad Recipes to Try
- Fingerling Potato Salad
- Avocado Caprese Salad
- BLT Coleslaw Salad
- Black Rice, Roasted Beet and Kale Salad
- Udon Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
- Tropical Chicken Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Paleo Tuna Salad Nori Wraps
- Greek Salad Pita Nachos
- Bean and Rice Casserole Salad
- Roasted Sweet Potato and Zucchini Salad
- Honey Sriracha Coleslaw
Summer Strawberry Salad Recipe with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
Cooked Quinoa
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
- 1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey omit for keto
Strawberry Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups spring mix
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 avocado sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles omit for vegan
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa Ahead of Time
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under running water for about 15 seconds.
- Combine rinsed quinoa and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a low boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
- Remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then stir lightly with a fork to fluff up the quinoa. Bring to room temp then chill if desired.
Make the Dressing
- Place 1 cup of fresh strawberries and the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil in a food processor. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Process 15 to 30 seconds until smooth. Set aside or store in the fridge for later use.
Assemble the Salad
- Create a bed of spring mix on a plate or bowl. Scoop the desired amount of cooked quinoa in the center.
- Top with sliced strawberries, avocado, feta cheese, and red onions. Top with additional goodies if desired.
- Drizzle with prepared strawberry balsamic dressing and serve.
Notes
- Toasted nuts such as sliced almonds, chopped pecans or pistachios
- Croutons or parmesan crisps for gluten-free/keto
- Additional fresh fruits such as blueberries or dried fruits such as dried cranberries
- Chia seeds or hemp hearts
- Additional veggies such as celery, cucumbers, or mushrooms.
Dietary Modifications
- For vegan omit the feta cheese and sub the honey with agave syrup
- For low-carb/keto omit the cooked quinoa, honey, and reduce the amount of sliced strawberries. Add nuts as an extra topping to increase the fat content.
Wow , I love strawberry salad it is great food at night time. Thank you for posting.
That’s true. It could almost replace a dessert. Thanks.
My hubby and I loved this salad especially the strawberry vinaigrette! So tasty and so delicious!
This salad is wonderful. I love that strawberry balsamic dressing. It’s amazing. I used to be able to find a bottled strawberry balsamic dressing, but I can’t find it at the stores any more. Now, I don’t need their bottled dressing. Thanks for making my day. I pinned your recipe, so I won’t forget.
Hi Patti. That’s so great to hear! I’ve been making my own dressing more often as well. It’s great being able to control the flavors and ingredients.