Summer Strawberry Salad
Overview:
This Summer Strawberry Salad is a delightful combination of fresh greens, juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed together in a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal. The recipe is quick and easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, making it a hit with the whole family.
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes enough for a generous serving for 4 people.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 head of red leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 3/4 cup of red wine vinegar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the Salad:
- Start by combining the chopped romaine lettuce and red leaf lettuce in a large salad bowl. These crisp and fresh greens provide the perfect base for the salad.
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Add the Toppings:
- Next, add the sliced strawberries, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped walnuts to the bowl. The strawberries add a burst of sweetness, while the cheese lends a creamy texture, and the walnuts bring a satisfying crunch.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, paprika, and white pepper until well combined. This tangy-sweet dressing adds a burst of flavor to the salad and ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
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Toss and Serve:
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. The dressing will infuse the salad with its delicious flavors, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls and serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so be sure to serve it right away to preserve its crispness and flavors.
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Customize and Experiment:
- Feel free to customize the salad to suit your taste preferences or make use of whatever ingredients you have on hand. You can substitute raspberries for strawberries or almonds for walnuts, depending on your preference or seasonal availability. Get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 906
- Fat: 73.6g
- Saturated Fat: 13.4g
- Cholesterol: 25.1mg
- Sodium: 478.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 54.6g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 44.6g
- Protein: 12.9g
Reviews:
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 3
Tips and Suggestions:
- To make this salad even more refreshing, consider chilling the ingredients in the refrigerator before tossing them together. This will give the salad an extra cool and crisp texture, perfect for hot summer days.
- If you’re serving the salad at a gathering or potluck, consider letting guests pour their own dressing. This allows everyone to customize the amount of dressing according to their preference and ensures that the salad stays fresh for longer.
- Don’t limit yourself to just strawberries and walnuts. As the recipe suggests, you can experiment with different fruits and nuts depending on what’s in season or your personal taste preferences. Try using raspberries, almonds, or any other combination that catches your fancy.
Conclusion:
This Summer Strawberry Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, with its vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and irresistible flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a picnic, or simply craving a light and refreshing meal, this salad is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, it’s the perfect dish to celebrate the bounty of summer produce. So grab a bowl, toss together these fresh and flavorful ingredients, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!
