This strawberry summer salad screams summertime goodness!
This easy summer salad is a breeze to assemble, and takes just 15 minutes to make. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep!
When the sun is shining and the temperatures start to rise, I want something that is refreshing, vibrant and packed with fresh fruit like this easy strawberry chopped salad.
What I love about this strawberry summer salad is I can either serve it as a main dish with extra protein like salmon, chicken, or a white bean like cannellini beans. Or, I can serve it as a side dish for a crowd.
Why you’ll love this summer strawberry salad
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This is a fresh and vibrant salad with strawberries, fennel, creamy feta, avocado slices and basil.
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The strawberry salad is drizzled with a simple (but delicious!) dressing.
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The only cooking you’ll need to do is toast the almonds, other than that there is zero cooking!
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All you’ll need to make this strawberry salad is a bowl for the salad and another for the dressing.
Ingredients Needed for this strawberry salad recipe
Lettuce: I’ve used iceberg lettuce here, but you can swap it out for arugula if you want something a bit more peppery!
Strawberries: this is going to taste best when it’s strawberry season and the sweet strawberries are plump and juicy!
Almonds: I’ve used toasted almonds here but you can use walnuts if you prefer.
Fennel: adds some extra crunch to this light summer salad.
Feta cheese: I love pairing strawberries with feta, but you could also use goat cheese.
Basil: adding some chopped fresh basil is going to amp up the fresh factor here.
Honey: I’m using honey in the dressing but you could also use maple syrup if that’s all you have on hand.
Olive oil and lemon juice: the base ingredients for the homemade dressing.
Step by Step Process to make this summer salad
Step 1: In a small bowl or jug whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl or serving platter, assemble all of the salad ingredients together. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss. Serve as a side salad or with a protein as a main!
The Best Strawberry Summer Salad Recipe with Feta
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce (or substitute with arugula)
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 small fennel bulb, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup chopped & toasted almonds
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1-2 avocado, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- big pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix the dressing ingredients by whisking together or shaking in a jar and set aside.
- Assemble the salad ingredients in a bowl or on a platter. Drizzle with dressing and serve!
Expert Tips
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This is one of my favourite salad recipes for summer meal prep! Keep all the ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge, then add the dressing just before serving.
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Swap out basil for fresh mint leaves for a different spin on this salad.
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I love serving it with chicken or salmon, but it’s also great to have on the side of my turkey burgers since it’s grilling season!
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If fennel isn’t for you, try using red onion instead.
FAQ
Do I have to toast the almonds?
Toasting them is totally optional, but it is really going to punch up the flavor so I recommend taking the time to do it!
Will frozen strawberries work?
Fresh ingredients like fresh strawberries are your best best for a crunchy, crispy and tasty salad!
How do I toast almonds?
You can toast almonds or any nut on the stove or in the oven. To toast the almonds on the stove, add the almonds to a pan over medium high and toast for 3-5 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally. To toast them in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit and place the almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 7-8 minutes, or until they smell toasted and are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before chopping.
Can I use other salad greens?
YES! If iceberg lettuce isn’t your favourite, you could try baby spinach or arugula in this fresh salad recipe.
Are there different salad dressings I could usee for this recipe?
A balsamic vinaigrette would be tasty with this salad or even a dressing using white balsamic vinegar.
Storage
Store any leftover salad that is undressed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing in a jam jar or small container in the fridge for 4-5 days, just be sure to shake before drizzling over the salad.
More salad recipes that are perfect for a summer bbq to love from the blog:
Easy Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad
Blueberry Basil Summer Green Salad
Kale & Peach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pepitas
Quick Summer Green Salad Recipe
Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess
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