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Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta – Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad
This Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad combines the perfect balance of sweet, peppery, and tangy flavors in every bite. Fresh strawberries pair beautifully with peppery arugula, while creamy feta cheese adds richness to this vibrant summer salad. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its sweet and tangy notes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation takes only 10 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect balance of sweet strawberries, peppery arugula, and creamy feta cheese
- Homemade balsamic vinaigrette elevates the flavors without overpowering the fresh ingredients
- Nutritious and colorful salad packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats
- Versatile dish that works as a side salad or light main course for any occasion
Why This Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad Recipe Works
The magic of this salad lies in its contrasting flavors and textures. The peppery bite of fresh arugula creates a perfect backdrop for sweet, juicy strawberries. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element that balances the fruit’s sweetness.
The homemade balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together with maple syrup providing natural sweetness, while Dijon mustard adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing. Sliced almonds contribute a satisfying crunch that makes each bite interesting.
This combination creates a restaurant-quality salad that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. The fresh ingredients shine through without being masked by heavy dressings or complicated preparations.
What You’ll Need for This Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the Salad:
- 5 oz. baby arugula (about 3 packed cups)
- 8 oz. fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
Tools
You’ll need basic kitchen tools for this simple recipe:
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Small whisk for making the vinaigrette
- Sharp knife for slicing strawberries and green onions
- Cutting board for prep work
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions
How to Make Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad
| Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette | Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil in the bottom of a large bowl. If making ahead, combine ingredients in a jar and shake well. |
| Step 2: Add Salad Ingredients | Add baby arugula (5 oz.), sliced strawberries (8 oz.), thinly sliced green onions, crumbled feta cheese (1/4 cup), and sliced almonds (1/4 cup) to the large bowl with vinaigrette. |
| Step 3: Toss and Serve | Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose strawberries that are firm and bright red for the best flavor and texture in your salad
- Wash and thoroughly dry the arugula to prevent the dressing from becoming watery
- Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor
- Make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the arugula from wilting
Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad
Serving Tips
This salad serves 4 people as a side dish or 2 as a light main course. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or protein-rich shrimp on top.
Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the arugula’s crisp texture. The salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a summer picnic spread. Consider serving alongside hearty casseroles for a balanced meal.
For best results, chill the serving bowls beforehand and serve the salad on chilled plates. This keeps everything fresh and crisp, especially on warm days.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad
Don’t overdress the salad, as too much vinaigrette will make the arugula soggy and overpower the delicate flavors. Start with less dressing and add more if needed.
Avoid using overripe strawberries that are too soft or mushy. They’ll break apart when tossed and make the salad watery. Choose firm, ripe berries for the best results.
Never prepare this salad too far in advance. The acid in the vinaigrette will wilt the arugula quickly, so toss and serve immediately for optimal texture and appearance.
You Must Know
- Fresh strawberries are essential for this recipe – frozen berries will make the salad watery and lack proper texture
- Baby arugula works better than mature arugula as it’s more tender and less bitter
- Good quality feta cheese makes a significant difference in flavor – look for authentic Greek feta if possible
- The salad should be consumed within 30 minutes of dressing to maintain optimal texture and freshness
Suggestions for Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad
Transform this basic recipe by adding different nuts like toasted walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can add another layer of flavor complexity.
For protein variations, try adding grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal. You can also substitute goat cheese for feta if you prefer a milder, creamier taste.
Consider seasonal variations by replacing strawberries with other fruits like sliced pears in fall or fresh peaches in summer. The basic combination works well with many fruit substitutions.
For a more substantial salad, add quinoa or couscous to create a grain-based version. This versatile recipe adapts well to many dietary preferences and occasions.
FAQs:
It’s best to prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. You can wash the arugula, slice the strawberries, and make the vinaigrette up to 4 hours ahead, but don’t combine them until ready to serve to prevent wilting.
Baby spinach, mixed greens, or watercress work well as substitutes. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, with spinach being milder and watercress having a similar peppery bite to arugula.
Dressed salad doesn’t store well due to wilting. If you have leftovers, store the components separately in the refrigerator and reassemble fresh portions as needed within 2-3 days.
Yes, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even blue cheese can work. Each will change the flavor profile slightly, so choose based on your taste preferences and what complements the sweet strawberries best.
Rinse strawberries gently under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, remove the green tops, and slice them about 1/4 inch thick. This size provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture in each bite.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of sweet strawberries, peppery arugula, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds creates a perfect harmony of tastes and textures.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for dinner or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad brings brightness and nutrition to any meal. The simple preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Try this recipe today and discover why the classic combination of strawberries and arugula has become a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike. For more delicious recipes, check out our keto-friendly dessert options to complete your meal.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Strawberry Arugula Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Fresh strawberry arugula feta salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette combines sweet berries, peppery greens, and creamy cheese for the perfect summer dish.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 oz. baby arugula (about 3 packed cups)
- 8 oz. fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
Instructions
- Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil in the bottom of a large bowl. If making ahead, combine ingredients in a jar and shake well.
- Add baby arugula (5 oz.), sliced strawberries (8 oz.), thinly sliced green onions, crumbled feta cheese (1/4 cup), and sliced almonds (1/4 cup) to the large bowl with vinaigrette.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose strawberries that are firm and bright red for the best flavor and texture
- Wash and thoroughly dry the arugula to prevent watery dressing
- Toast almonds lightly for enhanced nutty flavor
- Make vinaigrette ahead and store refrigerated up to one week
- Add dressing just before serving to prevent wilting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Keywords: summer salad recipe, arugula strawberry salad, feta cheese salad, balsamic vinaigrette salad, fresh fruit salad, healthy green salad, quick salad recipe, vegetarian salad
