This delightful Strawberry Salad Dressing recipe is a burst of freshness and flavor. The dressing, with its delicious blend of strawberries, honey, and apple cider vinegar, enhances the salad's natural goodness. Infused with poppy seeds and a drizzle of olive oil, this dressing is perfect for a vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Salad.
All the ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and can be found easily in most home kitchens. However, you might need to check for poppy seeds and apple cider vinegar, as these are the only ingredients you might not have readily available. When at the supermarket, look for them in the baking supplies or condiments section.
Ingredients for Strawberry Salad Dressing
Strawberries: These are the star of the dressing, adding a fresh, sweet, and slightly tart flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: It adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Honey: It enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Extra-virgin olive oil: It helps emulsify the dressing and adds a rich texture.
Poppy seeds: They add a slight crunch and a nutty flavor.
Baby spinach: It's the base of the salad, adding color and nutrients.
Feta cheese: Its salty, creamy flavor contrasts nicely with the sweet-tangy dressing.
Almonds: They add crunch and a touch of nuttiness to the salad.
One reader, Elizabeth Newell says:
This strawberry salad dressing recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh strawberries and tangy apple cider vinegar creates a burst of flavor. The dressing perfectly complements the spinach, feta, and almonds, making it a refreshing and delightful addition to any meal. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Salad Dressing
How to prepare the dressing: Blend strawberries, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a food processor until smooth. Then, slowly pour in the olive oil while blending to emulsify. Finally, add poppy seeds and blend for 1 second more.
How to assemble the salad: In a serving bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese, and toasted almonds. Toss the salad with the prepared dressing and serve immediately.
How To Make Easy Strawberry Salad and Dressing
In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this easy-to-make strawberry salad, as well as a tasty dressing that can be used for future salad or dip!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Dressing:
For Salad:
Instructions
Dressing:
-
- In a food processor, add the strawberries, vinegar, and honey, and blend until smooth.
-
- Pour in the olive oil and blend until emulsified.
-
- Add the poppy seeds and blend for 1 second more.
To Assemble:
-
- In a serving bowl, add the spinach, sliced strawberries, feta, and toasted almonds
-
- Toss with dressing and serve immediately
Nutrition
-
- Calories: 207.75kcal
-
- Fat: 18.05g
-
- Saturated Fat: 3.24g
-
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
-
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.67g
-
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.45g
-
- Carbohydrates: 9.33g
-
- Fiber: 2.61g
-
- Sugar: 5.61g
-
- Protein: 4.23g
-
- Cholesterol: 7.42mg
-
- Sodium: 107.52mg
-
- Calcium: 108.48mg
-
- Potassium: 340.68mg
-
- Iron: 1.64mg
-
- Vitamin A: 188.08µg
-
- Vitamin C: 32.98mg
Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Strawberry Salad Dressing
When preparing the strawberry dressing, ensure that the strawberries are ripe and sweet. The natural sweetness of the strawberries will balance out the acidity of the apple cider vinegar. If your strawberries are not quite ripe, you may need to add a little more honey to achieve the desired sweetness. Additionally, when adding the olive oil, pour it in a slow, steady stream while the food processor is running. This will help to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that doesn't separate. Finally, remember to lightly toast the almonds before adding them to the salad. Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Strawberry Salad Dressing
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously to save time in the kitchen.
Prep in bulk: Consider making larger batches of certain ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes throughout the week.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors, blenders, and mandolines to speed up the prep work.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills while cooking to minimize the post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Dressing Recipe
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, making them a suitable substitute for the dressing.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a milder flavor compared to apple cider vinegar, which can work well with the sweetness of the strawberries.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the strawberries in the dressing.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for the dressing.
poppy seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds can add a similar crunch and texture to the dressing, while also providing additional nutritional benefits.
baby spinach - Substitute with mixed greens: Mixed greens can provide a variety of flavors and textures, adding complexity to the salad.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese offers a tangy and creamy alternative to feta, enhancing the salad's flavor profile.
almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can provide a similar nutty crunch and flavor to the salad, complementing the other ingredients.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Strawberry Salad Dressing
Elevate the plating: Pay attention to the visual appeal of the dish. Use edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the sweetness of the strawberries in the dressing complements the savory elements of the salad. The feta cheese and almonds provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the spinach, sliced strawberries, and other salad components thoughtfully on the plate. Consider using different shapes and sizes to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Emphasize freshness: Highlight the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients in the dish. This not only enhances the flavor but also showcases the commitment to quality and sustainability.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the cleanliness of the plate and ensure that the dressing is drizzled delicately over the salad. Every detail matters in presenting a dish to culinary professionals.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Strawberry Salad Dressing
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for blending, pureeing, and emulsifying ingredients. It's perfect for making the strawberry dressing in this recipe.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the salad ingredients and tossing them with the dressing.
- Whisk: A whisk is useful for emulsifying the dressing and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- Serving bowl: A serving bowl is needed to present the finished salad.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Strawberry Salad Dressing
- This strawberry salad dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The olive oil may solidify when chilled, so let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake well before using.
- To freeze the dressing, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use the frozen dressing, thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Shake or blend the thawed dressing before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
- If you plan to freeze the dressing, omit the poppy seeds and add them fresh when serving. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- For best results, dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. If you anticipate leftovers, store the undressed salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to eat.
Surprising Facts About Strawberry Salad Dressing You Didn't Know
The strawberry salad dressing recipe is a delicious way to incorporate fresh strawberries into a savory dish. Strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and manganese, which are beneficial for overall health. Incorporating strawberries into a salad dressing not only adds a burst of flavor but also provides essential nutrients. This recipe offers a creative way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of strawberries in a unique and tasty manner.
Budget-Friendly: Is Homemade Strawberry Salad Dressing Cost-Effective?
The strawberry salad dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Strawberries are generally affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The versatility of the dressing also makes it a good investment, as it can be used for various other dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering the balance of cost, flavor, and nutritional value.
Is This Strawberry Salad Dressing Recipe Healthy?
This strawberry salad dressing recipe is a healthy choice for several reasons:
- The dressing is made with wholesome ingredients like fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil, which provide a balance of natural sweetness, acidity, and healthy fats
- The salad itself is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like baby spinach, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron
- Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber
- Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor and a boost of protein and calcium
- Almonds provide healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and vitamin E
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a light hand when adding the feta cheese and almonds to keep the calorie and fat content in check
- Opt for raw, unsalted almonds to avoid added sodium and preserve the nutritional benefits
- Add more variety to the salad by incorporating other nutrient-dense ingredients like:
- Sliced avocado for healthy fats and fiber
- Grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra protein boost
- Shredded carrots or beets for added color, texture, and antioxidants
- Experiment with different greens, such as arugula or mixed baby greens, to introduce a variety of flavors and nutrients to your salad
- Prepare the dressing in larger batches and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easier to enjoy healthy salads throughout the week
Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Strawberry Salad Dressing Recipe
The strawberry salad dressing recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The use of fresh strawberries in the dressing adds a burst of fruity freshness, complemented by the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. The salad itself is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the creamy feta cheese and crunchy almonds enhancing the freshness of the spinach and strawberries. This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the vibrant flavors of seasonal strawberries and is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
Enhance Your Strawberry Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Strawberry Salad Dressing
Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Strawberry Salad Dressing
Why trust this Strawberry Dressing Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh strawberries and spinach, providing a burst of flavor and a dose of essential nutrients. The dressing, made with apple cider vinegar and honey, adds a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes. The inclusion of feta cheese and toasted almonds provides a satisfying crunch and a creamy texture. With the use of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and the addition of poppy seeds, this recipe promises a delightful and wholesome dining experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Layered Vanilla Pudding Cake with Strawberry Jello Topping Recipe
Furr’s Light Green Jello Salad Recipe
Strawberry Quinoa Kale Salad Recipe
Watermelon Jello Salad Recipe
Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Strawberry, Chicken, and Bacon Vinaigrette Parfait Salad Recipe
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Glazed Walnuts and Feta Cheese Recipe
Strawberry Cream Cheese Recipe
Spring Mix Salad Recipe
