Fresh Strawberry and Feta Summer Salad

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of a Fresh Strawberry and Feta Summer Salad, a simple and refreshing choice for any summer occasion. Easy to make and wonderfully light, it's the perfect way to stay cool and satisfied on those hot days.

I am not including a dressing recipe with this, but let me share a few of my favorites that I can highly recommend you using. My balsamic poppyseed dressing is at the top of the list. It is my favorite! This red wine vinaigrette is also an amazing dressing. My blueberry and white balsamic dressing is another one I love to recommend.

Tips for creating the best salads

1. Use Seasonal Produce: Take advantage of summer fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, corn, and avocados. Fresh, in-season produce will be more flavorful.
2. Mix Textures: Combine crunchy elements like nuts, seeds, or croutons with softer ingredients like leafy greens, ripe fruits, and creamy cheeses to create a satisfying texture contrast.
3. Balance Flavors: Aim for a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Pair sweet fruits like strawberries or peaches with tangy cheeses like feta or goat cheese, and add a touch of acidity with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
4. Make a Light Dressing: Use simple, light dressings made with olive oil, vinegar or citrus juice, and a bit of honey or mustard. Avoid heavy, creamy dressings that can overpower the fresh ingredients.
5. Keep it Colorful: A visually appealing salad with a variety of colors will be more enticing. Think of the rainbow and include different colored vegetables and fruits.

Ingredients

• Greens- there are a lot of options for greens this time of year and I love them all. However, my son is really into butter lettuce right now, so that is what I used. Baby butter lettuce. Feel free to sub in whatever you like.
• Cucumbers- I will always add crispy cucumbers to my salad, especially with strawberries.
• Fresh Strawberries- below you will see some of my favorite tips for choosing the best strawberries on your next shopping trip.
• Snap peas- Again with the crunch. I realize they are mostly a spring vegetable, but in our area, they are still good through the summer.
• Feta cheese- I love the tang of feta, but you can also sub it for goat cheese or gouda if you prefer.
• Seeds and nuts- I love using a good variety of seeds and nuts in my salad. In this one, I used sunflower seeds, poppyseeds, and pepitas.

Steps to putting the salad together.

1. Start by prepping the vegetables and strawberries. One recommendation I have is to make this as close to serving time as possible. You want everything fresh and crispy.
2. Once everything is prepped, it is time to assemble. I am sure it is my culinary background, but I love to make my salads beautiful. Be sure to balance the colors and texture throughout the salad.
3. Serve the salad with a drizzle of white balsamic, one of the dressings I recommended, or use your favorite store bought dressing. Once the dressing is on it, be sure and serve right away.

How to choose the best strawberries at the grocery store

• Color: Look for strawberries that are bright red all over. Avoid berries with white or green patches, as they are likely underripe and may lack sweetness.
• Texture: Choose strawberries that are firm, plump, and free of soft spots or bruises. They should have a glossy sheen and feel slightly heavy for their size.
• Smell: Take a whiff of the strawberries. Ripe strawberries should have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they lack smell, they may not be fully ripe or flavorful.
• Size: While size doesn't necessarily indicate ripeness or flavor, smaller strawberries tend to have a more concentrated sweetness compared to larger ones. Choose berries that are uniform in size for even ripeness.
• Stems and Leaves: Check the stems and leaves of the strawberries. They should be green, fresh-looking, and free from mold or signs of decay. Avoid berries with wilted or brown leaves.
• Seasonality: Try to buy strawberries when they are in season locally, as they will be fresher, sweeter, and more flavorful. In-season strawberries are usually available during the spring and summer months.

Protein ideas to add to your salad

I love this salad just like it is, but if you want to add in more protein, let me share a few ideas.

• Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast adds lean protein and a savory flavor that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
• Shrimp: Cooked shrimp adds a delicate flavor and a light, refreshing element to the salad. It pairs well with strawberries and a citrus-based dressing.
• Tofu: Cubes of firm tofu can be marinated and grilled or sautéed to add a vegetarian protein option to the salad. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds a satisfying texture.
• Quinoa: Cooked quinoa is a versatile protein source that adds a nutty flavor and a chewy texture to the salad. It's also gluten-free and packed with nutrients.
• Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, add crunch, protein, and healthy fats to the salad. They complement the sweetness of strawberries and add depth of flavor.
• Beans: Cooked beans, such as chickpeas, black beans, or edamame, add plant-based protein and fiber to the salad. They're a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
• Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese adds protein and a creamy texture to the salad. It pairs well with strawberries and can be seasoned with herbs or spices for extra flavor.
• Sliced Steak: Thinly sliced grilled steak adds a rich, savory flavor and a hearty protein boost to the salad. It's a great option for those who enjoy a meatier salad.

More strawberry recipes

If you are a strawberry lover, let me give you a couple other recipes you might like!

• I love these fun little Strawberry Mini Donuts.
• This Strawberry Cake With Lime Buttercream is also really delicious!
• Strawberry and Cream Rolls are also really tasty!!

• Salads