Description
Bright Summer Strawberry Salad, also known as Strawberry Fields Salad, combines sweet fresh strawberries, crisp mixed greens, creamy goat cheese, avocado, toasted walnuts, and sunflower seeds with a rich balsamic vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer lunches, light dinners, or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 5 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, spring mix)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
1. Wash strawberries thoroughly, remove stems, and slice them into halves or quarters.
2. Rinse mixed greens and dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner.
3. Slice cucumber, avocado, and red onion into thin pieces.
4. Toast walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
5. In a bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
6. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth vinaigrette.
7. Place mixed greens in a large bowl and add strawberries, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.
8. Sprinkle chopped basil, toasted walnuts, and sunflower seeds across the salad.
9. Crumble goat cheese over the top.
10. Drizzle balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.
Notes
- Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn the salad into a full meal.
- Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent greens from wilting.
- Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Add blueberries or raspberries for extra berry flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg