There is nothing like fresh local sweet strawberries to create a fabulous summer salad and a creamy dressing! The sweetness of this beautiful fruit with a lovely variety of fresh ingredients that captures it’s true seasonal flavours to enjoy with outdoor meals.
Strawberries are so versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. I love it when they first come into season and I can’t help myself to add them to many of my dishes. This salad recipe is so easy to make and versatile, with flavours, texture and lots of colour! I wanted to keep the theme of strawberries and this creamy dressing has a wonderful sweet berry flavour and a lovely creamy texture.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Greens: romaine and baby spinach were both added to this salad
Red onion: I like to add for it’s sweetness and pungent flavour
Radishes: have become one of my favourite vegetables to add for many reasons, textures, colour, flavour and healthy benefits
Avocados: are a healthy option with lovely flavour and texture
Strawberries: fresh local sweet flavourful fruit to add to any salad
Dill: love the fresh citrus mint flavour it offers
Feta cheese: salty cheese that accents well, however, goat cheese is an option
Dressing: fresh local strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil, lime zest, salt and pepper
HELPFUL TIPS WHEN MAKING THIS DELICIOUS SUMMER SALAD
FRESH LOCAL STRAWBERRIES: when you get fresh local fruit, it makes all the difference in a dish! Make sure they are firm, without blemishes or bruises with a bright red colour. Ask when the berries were picked to get a better idea what the berries look like on the bottom of the container or basket you are buying. If you happen to get a few that are bruised or soft, use them for the dressing since they will be blended.
VEGETABLES: I chose a variety of a few vegetables – red onion, radishes, and baby greens. Baby greens can be very delicate so keep that in mind when purchasing them. Look for expiring date on the package. Choose fresh, firm and blemish free vegetables. Since avocado is technically a fruit, make sure it’s ripe but still firm yet once pressed there is a slight indentation.
DRESSING: let’s be honest, when you can create a dressing using natural sweet ingredients, it is the best! Selecting local ingredients is always recommended for it’s freshness and flavour. I will often mention in my recipes to chose good quality ingredients, and that includes extra virgin olive oil. By selecting a good quality evoo, you will not be disappointed and by adding to a salad it really takes the flavours to the next level.
FAQ
Can I substitute the vegetables in this recipe? Yes you can, I used a variety of vegetables but only a few, and other vegetables can be easily substituted, such as peppers, cucumbers or broccoli are options. You can either use all romaine lettuce or add other greens to apt up the flavours, texture and colour.
Is dill important to add to this dish? I love dill and I will add it to many of my recipes, it’s a Hungarian thing to do, we use it a lot in our dishes. But if you don’t have dill, then you can add basil or parsley.
WHAT TO PAIR WITH THIS DELICIOUS SUMMER SALAD
HOW TO STORE THIS SALAD AND SALAD DRESSING
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days without adding the dressing. Store in an air-tight container to maintain it’s freshness. The dressing will last for up to a week in a container with a sealed lid.
Summer Strawberry Salad with Creamy Strawberry Dressing
Equipment
- blender or food processor
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 romaine head, roughly chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4-5 radishes, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, quarter cuts
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 sprigs fresh dill
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing: yields approx. 3/4 cup
- 1 cup strawberries, cut in half
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp lime zest
- 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
- pinch pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with cool water and a tablespoon of vinegar. Allow the strawberry to soak for about 5 minutes. This will help to remove any pesticide residue on the surface and dirt. Rinse strawberries with cold water and allow them to dry in a colander or on paper towel.
- Dressing: Using a blender or food processor, add strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil, lime zest, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large salad bowl, add baby greens, red onion, radishes, avocado, and strawberries. Drizzle salad dressing and toss. Garnish with feta, dill and walnuts.
- Enjoy with grilled meats, poultry or fish.
