The Best Strawberry Summer Salad Recipe with Feta

Jessica Kostka — Wed, 24 May 2023 01:54:55 +0000

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

This is a fresh and vibrant salad with strawberries, fennel, creamy feta, avocado slices and basil.
The strawberry salad is drizzled with a simple (but delicious!) dressing.
The only cooking you’ll need to do is toast the almonds, other than that there is zero cooking!
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

A quick and delicious Strawberry Summer Salad made with fresh berries, feta, almonds, basil, lettuce and a simple lemon dressing!

Course Salad

Cuisine american-inspired

Keyword strawberry

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings as a side salad

Author Jess

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

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.
Swap out basil for fresh mint leaves for a different spin on this salad.
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!
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.