Delicious Strawberry Arugula Salad A Fresh Take Recipe

Name: strawberry arugula salad
Prep time: PT-974435H56M36S
Cook time: PT-487218H58M18S
Total time: PT-487218H58M18S
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: undefined
Ingredients: – 5 ounces arugula Provides a peppery base that adds crunch and nutrients like vitamin A, making it the fresh foundation of your strawberry arugula salad.; – 7 ounces arugula (total, combining with the 5 ounces above for a fuller salad) Boosts the volume and greens, ensuring a hearty mix of vitamins for a satisfying strawberry arugula salad.; – 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil Infuses herbal brightness and antioxidants, enhancing the overall taste of the strawberry arugula salad.; – 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced Brings sweet juiciness and vitamin C, balancing the greens and adding a seasonal twist to the salad.; – 1 1/2 cups hulled and quartered strawberries (additional for variations) Offers extra fruitiness and texture, allowing for customizable layers in your strawberry arugula salad.; – 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion Adds a sharp, mild bite and color, contributing to the fresh appeal of the salad without overwhelming it.; – 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta, or 1 ripe avocado, diced Provides creamy protein and tang, with avocado as a vegan swap for that smooth element in the strawberry arugula salad.; – 1/2 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds Delivers crunch and healthy fats, adding nutty flavor and extra nutrition to the salad.; – 3 tablespoons hemp seeds or 1/4 cup other seeds or nuts (such as additional sunflower seeds) Packs in protein and omega-3s, offering flexibility for more texture in your strawberry arugula salad.; – 1/2 cup halved and thinly sliced radish Brings a crisp, spicy note and vitamins, lightening up the dish with its vibrant touch.; – 1 medium jalapeno, very thinly sliced Adds a kick of heat and flavor balance, adjustable for spice preferences in the salad.; – 1/2 cup raw pecan halves (roasted as described in directions) Contributes toasted crunch and richness, enhancing the overall experience of the strawberry arugula salad.; – 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Forms the base of the vinaigrette, providing healthy fats that help blend flavors smoothly.; – 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Brings tang and depth to the dressing, tying together the sweet and savory elements.; – 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a sharp, creamy note to the vinaigrette, helping it emulsify and coat the ingredients evenly.; – 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing acidity and making the salad more appealing.; – 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced Infuses aromatic flavor into the vinaigrette, boosting the taste without overpowering it.; – A pinch of fine sea salt, to taste Seasons the dressing perfectly, enhancing all the fresh components of the salad.; – Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Adds a subtle spice and layer to the vinaigrette, rounding out the flavors.; – 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (for dressing variation) Used in sautéing shallots for an alternative dressing, adding richness to the mix.; – 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced (for dressing variation) Brings a mild onion flavor to the varied dressing, deepening its taste profile.; – 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (for dressing variation) Provides extra tang in the alternative dressing, offering more customization.; – 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or other sweetener (for dressing variation) Adjusts sweetness in the variation, keeping the dressing versatile.; – 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter or olive oil, melted (for roasted pecans) Helps coat the pecans for roasting, adding flavor and crispness.; – 1 tablespoon coconut sugar vernacular or brown sugar or cane sugar (for roasted pecans) Sweetens the pecans during roasting, creating a tasty garnish.; – 1 pinch sea salt (for roasted pecans) Seasons the pecans simply, enhancing their natural taste.; – 1 pinch ground cinnamon (for roasted pecans) Adds warm spice to the pecans, complementing the salad’s freshness.; – 1 pinch cayenne pepper (for roasted pecans) Brings a hint of heat to the pecans, balancing sweetness in the dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Arugula Salad

This strawberry arugula salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for brightening up any meal, and I just love how simple it is to throw together. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without requiring much effort, making it a go-to for home cooks everywhere. Let me share what makes this strawberry arugula salad such a standout choice for your table.

Ease of preparation: This strawberry arugula salad comes together in just 25 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of light cooking, like roasting pecans, for a total of 40 minutes. The steps are straightforward no fancy tools needed so busy parents or students can mix fresh ingredients and have it ready in a flash. It’s all about quick assembly, turning it into an effortless option for everyday meals or last-minute gatherings.
Health benefits: Packed with nutrient-rich strawberries and arugula, this strawberry arugula salad delivers antioxidants from vitamin C (56.9 milligrams per serving) and iron (2 milligrams), plus fiber (3.9 grams) to support digestion and energy. The mix of fresh produce like basil and radishes adds potassium (381 milligrams) and low calories (267 per serving), making it a smart pick for diet-conscious folks seeking a flavorful way to boost wellness without sacrificing taste.
Versatility: This strawberry arugula salad adapts easily to different needs, like swapping goat cheese for avocado to keep it vegan-friendly, or using gluten-free options throughout. Travelers or newlyweds can scale it for small portions, while seniors and working professionals appreciate how it fits various preferences. Whether as a side or main dish, it’s flexible enough to pair with proteins or grains for a complete meal that suits everyone.
Distinctive flavor: What really sets this strawberry arugula salad apart is the sweet-tart mix of strawberries with peppery arugula, balanced by a zingy balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together. The addition of roasted pecans and fresh herbs creates a unique crunch and depth, making each bite memorable and full of summer vibes. It’s that blend of simple, bold flavors that elevates a basic salad into something exciting and irresistible.

In the end, this strawberry arugula salad is a winner for its speed, nutrition, adaptability, and taste give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite!

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Arugula Salad
2. Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Arugula Salad
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Strawberry Arugula Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Strawberry Arugula Salad
5. Mastering Strawberry Arugula Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Strawberry Arugula Salad: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Arugula Salad
8. strawberry arugula salad

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Arugula Salad

Gathering the ingredients for this strawberry arugula salad is a breeze, and I’ve laid them out here with exact measurements and reasons they’re key. This helps you create a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with fresh flavors.

Main Ingredients

5 ounces arugula – Provides a peppery base that adds crunch and nutrients like vitamin A, making it the fresh foundation of your strawberry arugula salad.
7 ounces arugula (total, combining with the 5 ounces above for a fuller salad) – Boosts the volume and greens, ensuring a hearty mix of vitamins for a satisfying strawberry arugula salad.
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil – Infuses herbal brightness and antioxidants, enhancing the overall taste of the strawberry arugula salad.
1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced – Brings sweet juiciness and vitamin C, balancing the greens and adding a seasonal twist to the salad.
1 1/2 cups hulled and quartered strawberries (additional for variations) – Offers extra fruitiness and texture, allowing for customizable layers in your strawberry arugula salad.
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion – Adds a sharp, mild bite and color, contributing to the fresh appeal of the salad without overwhelming it.
4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta, or 1 ripe avocado, diced – Provides creamy protein and tang, with avocado as a vegan swap for that smooth element in the strawberry arugula salad.
1/2 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds – Delivers crunch and healthy fats, adding nutty flavor and extra nutrition to the salad.
3 tablespoons hemp seeds or 1/4 cup other seeds or nuts (such as additional sunflower seeds) – Packs in protein and omega-3s, offering flexibility for more texture in your strawberry arugula salad.
1/2 cup halved and thinly sliced radish – Brings a crisp, spicy note and vitamins, lightening up the dish with its vibrant touch.
1 medium jalapeno, very thinly sliced – Adds a kick of heat and flavor balance, adjustable for spice preferences in the salad.
1/2 cup raw pecan halves (roasted as described in directions) – Contributes toasted crunch and richness, enhancing the overall experience of the strawberry arugula salad.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil – Forms the base of the vinaigrette, providing healthy fats that help blend flavors smoothly.
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – Brings tang and depth to the dressing, tying together the sweet and savory elements.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a sharp, creamy note to the vinaigrette, helping it emulsify and coat the ingredients evenly.
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey – Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing acidity and making the salad more appealing.
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced – Infuses aromatic flavor into the vinaigrette, boosting the taste without overpowering it.
A pinch of fine sea salt, to taste – Seasons the dressing perfectly, enhancing all the fresh components of the salad.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Adds a subtle spice and layer to the vinaigrette, rounding out the flavors.
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (for dressing variation) – Used in sautéing shallots for an alternative dressing, adding richness to the mix.
2 medium shallots, thinly sliced (for dressing variation) – Brings a mild onion flavor to the varied dressing, deepening its taste profile.
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (for dressing variation) – Provides extra tang in the alternative dressing, offering more customization.
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or other sweetener (for dressing variation) – Adjusts sweetness in the variation, keeping the dressing versatile.
1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter or olive oil, melted (for roasted pecans) – Helps coat the pecans for roasting, adding flavor and crispness.
1 tablespoon coconut sugar vernacular or brown sugar or cane sugar (for roasted pecans) – Sweetens the pecans during roasting, creating a tasty garnish.
1 pinch sea salt (for roasted pecans) – Seasons the pecans simply, enhancing their natural taste.
1 pinch ground cinnamon (for roasted pecans) – Adds warm spice to the pecans, complementing the salad’s freshness.
1 pinch cayenne pepper (for roasted pecans) – Brings a hint of heat to the pecans, balancing sweetness in the dish.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Swap goat cheese for diced avocado and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing, keeping the entire strawberry arugula salad plant-based and flavorful.
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if adding extras, double-check ingredients like dressings to ensure your strawberry arugula salad stays safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Low-calorie: Lighten it up by reducing oil in the vinaigrette or skipping high-calorie toppings like cheese, helping keep the strawberry arugula salad around 267 calories per serving.

How to Prepare the Perfect Strawberry Arugula Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

This strawberry arugula salad is a joy to make, and with just 25 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have it ready in 40 minutes for 4 large servings. I’ll walk you through each step with clear instructions, including tips for adapting to vegan or low-calorie preferences, so it’s easy and fun for everyone. Let’s get started and create a dish that’s as delicious as it is simple.

First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by collecting all the ingredients and setting aside about 10 minutes for prep this keeps things organized and stress-free. Wash and slice 1 pound of strawberries thinly, chop 1/2 cup of fresh basil, and measure out 5 ounces of arugula (plus 7 ounces total for a fuller salad). For dietary swaps, if you’re going vegan, have diced avocado ready to replace goat cheese, and get the vinaigrette components lined up like 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar so everything’s at hand.

Second Step: Roast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet for the pecans, which takes about 5 minutes to set up. Mix 1/2 cup raw pecan halves with 1 1/2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, a pinch of sea salt, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, then spread them on the sheet. Roast for 8 minutes, stir, and roast for another 4 to 7 minutes until golden keep an eye on them to avoid burning. This step adds crunch, and for low-calorie options, you can skip the nuts or use a smaller portion to keep the strawberry arugula salad light.

Third Step: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 minced garlic clove, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste whisk until blended, which takes about 2 minutes. For a variation, sauté 2 thinly sliced shallots in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes until soft, then blend with 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, the remaining olive oil, 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup, salt, andpepper for a different twist. Taste and adjust seasoning, and if you’re adapting for dietary needs, use maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly in the strawberry arugula salad.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Salad

Layer the salad ingredients on a large platter or bowl, starting with 5 to 7 ounces of arugula as the base, then add 1/2 cup chopped basil, the sliced strawberries, 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or diced avocado, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup sliced radish, 1 thinly sliced jalapeno, 3 tablespoons hemp seeds, and the roasted pecans. Gently toss or arrange for even distribution, which takes about 5 minutes this step lets you customize based on preferences, like omitting jalapeno for milder versions or adding more veggies for a heartier strawberry arugula salad.

Fifth Step: Dress and Mix

Drizzle the vinaigrette or its variation Printover the salad and toss to combine, ensuring everything is lightly coated this helps the flavors meld without wilting the greens, and it only takes a minute or two. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a splash of water, and for low-calorie tweaks, go easy on the oil to keep things fresh. Serve right away, as this step highlights the salad’s crisp texture, with options to mix in extras like quinoa for added protein if desired.

Final Step: Finishing Touches and Serving

Add final garnishes like extra strawberries or fresh herbs for a pop of color, then portion out for 4 large servings or 8 sides it’s ready in under 5 minutes for plating. This step ensures the strawberry arugula salad looks as good as it tastes, and you can adjust for different needs, like serving it as a light entree for two. Enjoy it fresh, and remember, salads like this are best shared, so dive in and savor the moment!

With these steps, your strawberry arugula salad will turn out perfect every time, tailored to your preferences and full of seasonal goodness.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Strawberry Arugula Salad

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

When switching up proteins for your strawberry arugula salad, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier bite if you need more substance. If nuts like pecans are out, swap them for seeds to keep the crunch without allergens, maintaining that light feel. These changes make the salad adaptable for various needs, turning it into a flexible favorite that suits ingredient swaps easily.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap veggies based on seasons, like using spinach instead of some arugula for a milder base in your strawberry arugula salad. For the sauce, try different vinegars or reduce sweeteners for a lighter dressing, and tweak seasonings with herbs if you want less spice. This helps create a salad that’s personalized to tastes, keeping it fresh and inclusive no matter the occasion.

Mastering Strawberry Arugula Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your strawberry arugula salad to the next level with these tips makes it even more enjoyable let’s add some excitement!

Pro Cooking Techniques

To get the best results, roast pecans evenly by watching the oven closely and tossing halfway, which locks in that perfect crunch for your strawberry arugula salad. Chilling ingredients beforehand keeps the salad crisp, and whisking vinaigrette vigorously ensures it blends smoothly without separating.

Flavor Variations

Mix in flavors like feta for a tangy twist or blueberries for sweetness in your strawberry arugula salad, and experiment with herbs for added depth. For more ideas, try linking to a fresh healthy salmon salad recipe to see how to incorporate proteins that complement the greens.

Presentation Tips

Arrange the salad in colorful layers on a platter to make it pop, and top with seeds for a simple, eye-catching finish that elevates your strawberry arugula salad. A sprinkle of herbs adds that fresh touch before serving.

Make-Ahead Options

Prep components like the vinaigrette a day ahead and store separately for quick assembly, making strawberry arugula salad ideal for busy days when you need a fast meal ready to go.

How to Store Strawberry Arugula Salad: Best Practices

Storing your strawberry arugula salad keeps it fresh and ready, so here’s how to handle it right for short and long-term needs.

Storage Method	Details
ubicRefrigeration	Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days, storing dressing separately to avoid wilting the greens in your salad.
Freezing	Not ideal for freezing due to fresh ingredients, but if needed, freeze components like pecans for up to a month and assemble fresh.
Reheating	Serve cold or at room temp; if refreshing, let it sit out briefly for the best texture without altering the fresh strawberry arugula salad quality.
Meal Prep Considerations	Prepare in portions for the week, keeping it chilled for easy grab-and-go, ensuring your strawberry arugula salad stays vibrant and ready.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Arugula Salad

Can I substitute almonds or other nuts for pecans in a strawberry arugula salad?

Yes, you can substitute almonds or other nuts like walnuts or cashews for pecans in a strawberry arugula salad. Raw or toasted nuts add a nice crunch and complement the peppery arugula and sweet strawberries. Toasting the nuts lightly enhances their flavor, but raw nuts work well too. Keep in mind that different nuts have distinct textures and tastes, so feel free to choose based on your preference or what you have available.

What can I use if I don’t have shallots for the salad dressing?

If you don’t have shallots, red onion is a great substitute because it offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to shallots. Alternatively, yellow onion can work but has a stronger taste, so use it sparingly. To soften the onion flavor, finely mince it and soak in a bit of vinegar or lemon juice before adding to your dressing.

Is it okay to add chicken to strawberry arugula salad, or will that make it too heavy?

Adding small pieces of cooked chicken to strawberry arugula salad can turn it into a more filling meal without overpowering the fresh flavors. Grilled or roasted chicken breast works best as it is lean and mild. Keep the chicken portion moderate to maintain the salad’s lightness. This addition is perfect if you want a quick, balanced lunch or dinner.

Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance and store it overnight?

Yes, the dressing for strawberry arugula salad can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For best results, keep the dressing separate from the salad greens and toppings, then toss them together just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.

What dishes pair well with strawberry arugula salad?

Strawberry arugula salad pairs well with light, summery dishes such as grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. It also complements dishes with creamy or rich elements, like goat cheese crostini or pasta with a light sauce. The salad’s bright and peppery flavors provide a refreshing contrast and balance to many main courses.

Strawberry Arugula Salad Fresh Twist on a Classic Flavor Packed Dish