Summer Strawberry Salad Recipe with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Fresh summer salad loaded with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, including spring mix greens, sliced strawberries, avocado, feta crumbles, and a homemade strawberry balsamic dressing. With a few modifications it's vegan, Whole-30, gluten-free, low-carb, and keto.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword easy summer salad, salad with strawberries, strawberry summer salad
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Resting Time 10 minutesminutes
Servings 4salads
Calories 298kcal
Author Plating Pixels
Ingredients
Cooked Quinoa
½cupdry quinoa
1cupwater
Pinchof salt and pepper
Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
1cupfresh sliced strawberries
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
1tablespoonolive oil
1tablespoonhoneyomit for keto
Strawberry Salad Ingredients
8cupsspring mix
1cupsliced strawberries
1avocadosliced
½cupfeta cheese crumblesomit for vegan
¼cupchopped 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
You can add extra protein such as grilled chicken slices, grilled or canned salmon, sauteed shrimp, or cooked and cooled chickpeasAdditional Toppings You Can Add
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.