This strawberry walnut salad recipe is the perfect summer salad. Make it for a main course or a side salad. It is loaded with sweet juicy strawberries, crunchy walnut pieces and fresh salad greens. Drizzle with a delicious homemade dressing for the perfect sweet and tangy flavor.
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Table of contents
Why This Strawberry Salad Recipe Is The Best!
Healthy eating doesn't mean you are forced to eat bland food. This strawberry walnut salad is bursting with flavor but still a healthy option for a light lunch or dinner. This salad has plenty of good fats found in the walnuts and avocado. Add a piece of grilled chicken to add extra protein or eat as is for a great vegetarian dish.
This strawberry walnut salad recipe is the perfect way to use those ripe strawberries. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or this simple balsamic vinaigrette made with maple syrup and extra-virgin olive oil. The sweet strawberries are perfect with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar dressing.
Key Ingredients
strawberries- fresh strawberries are perfect in salad. Look for ripe ones at the grocery store or local farmers market.
walnuts- walnuts add a great crunch for contrast in the salad. Crunchy walnuts have a great nutty flavor.
spring mix- has a great mix of different leaf lettuce varieties and spinach.
goat cheese- goat cheese is a mild creamy cheese that is perfect crumbled in a salad.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by hulling the strawberries and slicing into thin slices. Also wash and chop the cucumber into bite sized pieces.
Next add the spring mix to a large bowl. Add the walnuts, sliced cucumber, goat cheese crumbles, sliced avocado and strawberries to the spring mix.
Use spoons to toss the salad. Serve and drizzle with balsamic dressing. I have listed the dressing ingredients and instructions for my favorite go to sweet balsamic dressing but you can pair your favorite dressing with this salad. Creamy balsamic or a citrus vinaigrette would also be great options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a main course or a side dish to accompany a meal. I love to serve this with Instant Pot turkey tenderloin, feta spinach burgers, or air fryer wings.
Substitutions and Additions
spring mix- I like spring mix because it has a variety of different lettuce leaves, but you can easily make this a strawberry spinach salad by using just fresh baby spinach leaves.
onion- many people love thinly sliced red onion in there salad. If you love onion you can definitely add a little onion for a flavor boost.
balsamic dressing- you can use any salad dressing that you prefer. I love this sweet balsamic dressing, but you can use a balsamic glaze or another delicious dressing of your choice.
goat cheese- I love the mild flavor of goat cheese but you can use a salty feta cheese or blue cheese crumbles in this salad if you prefer.
protein- add grilled chicken breasts to this salad to give it a protein boost.
walnuts- use almonds or pecans if you prefer. You can also add toasted walnuts to give more flavor.
Storage Tips
Strawberry walnut salads are best served the day that they are made. If you need to save leftovers I recommend storing the salad and dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day.
Looking For Other Salad Recipes? Try These!
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad with Balsamic
Arugula Apple and Walnut Salad
Mediterranean Green Beans with Lemon Dressing
Roasted Beet Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
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Healthy Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Strawberry Salad
- 1 package spring mix
- ½ cup strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup cucumbers, sliced
- ½ medium avocado, sliced
- ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped
- ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
Sweet Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon shallot, minced
- 2 teaspoons stone ground Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 sprig fresh thyme, minced
Instructions
Strawberry Walnut Salad
- Add the spring mix to a large serving bowl.
- Chop the strawberries, cucumber, avocado and walnuts and add to the bowl with the spring mix. Crumble the goat cheese and sprinkle over the salad.
Sweet Balsamic Dressing
- Mince the shallot into very small pieces.
- Remove the leaves off the sprig of thyme and mince.
- Add the balsamic, olive oil, maple syrup, and mustard to a small bowl. Whisk together vigorously.
- Add the chopped shallot, salt, pepper and thyme leaves to the balsamic mixture and whisk well.
- Once combined the dressing can be used immediately. Store in a mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake vigorously before using.
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