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Are you planning a special meal for someone you care about? 💖
Maybe you want a dish that's simple yet impressive for a romantic occasion like Valentine's Day? I’ve got just the recipe for you!
Imagine this: juicy, sweet strawberries paired with the fresh aroma of basil, all dressed up with tangy balsamic glaze and creamy feta. It’s not just a salad🍃 – it’s a flavor experience that feels both fancy and effortless! Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, a picnic date, or even a fancy appetizer to kick off a celebration. And guess what? It’s healthy and quick to make too! So, why not impress your loved one with this delicious Strawberry Basil Salad? 🍓✨
Table of Contents
Strawberry Basil Salad Recipe
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped or torn)
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or any preferred salad mix)
- 50g feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the green tops. Slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Strawberries add a juicy, sweet burst of flavor, which pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 2. Prepare the Basil and Greens
Gently rinse and pat dry the basil leaves and greens. Tear or chop the basil leaves into smaller pieces to release their natural aroma. Basil adds a refreshing and slightly peppery taste that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. 🪴
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, mixed greens, and basil. Add crumbled feta cheese to give the salad a creamy, tangy flavor. You can also sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch if you like.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze (or vinegar), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Balsamic glaze enhances the strawberries with a rich, tangy sweetness. Adjust the amount to your preference!
5. Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure all ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the strawberries. Be gentle — you want each bite to have the perfect balance of flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to serving plates and enjoy immediately! The combination of sweet strawberries, aromatic basil, creamy feta, and tangy balsamic is incredibly satisfying. It’s a salad that tastes like summer on a plate! 🍴🌞
🔖 Tips!
- Add some protein by including grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier, milder taste.
- If you want extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey over the salad.
- This salad pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of rosé or lemonade. 🍷🥤
Refreshing, healthy, and elegant – Strawberry Basil Salad is a dish you’ll want to make over and over!
Plating & Presentation Tips
1. Layered Plating 🥗
- Start by laying down the salad greens on the plate. Add sliced strawberries, basil, and crumbled feta in layers. This creates a visually balanced and elegant presentation that’s perfect for special occasions.
2. Balsamic Drizzle 🍯
- Drizzle balsamic glaze across the plate in thin lines, almost like a decorative touch. Avoid overdoing it – gentle curves and thin streaks add sophistication and visual appeal.
3. Highlight Color Contrast 🎨
- The red strawberries, green basil, and white feta create a beautiful contrast. Using a neutral-colored plate, like white, will help these vibrant colors pop, making the dish more appetizing.
4. Add Finishing Touches 🌿
- Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or extra basil leaves on top for added detail. Not only does this enhance the flavor, but it also elevates the presentation.
5. Romantic Garnish 🌹
For a Valentine’s Day vibe, try adding a rose petal or two on the side of the plate. It’s a small touch that adds romance and charm to your presentation.
With these plating tips, your Strawberry Basil Salad will look stunning and feel just as special as the occasion you’re celebrating! 💕
Celebrate Love with Every Bite of Strawberry Basil Salad
This Strawberry Basil Salad isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience designed for special moments like Valentine’s Day. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. 💖
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a festive gathering, or simply want to treat yourself, this salad is a quick, healthy, and beautiful option. Don’t wait—try it today and add some love to your plate! 🍓✨
➡️ Have more special occasions coming up? Explore more of our celebration recipes!
Summary
Strawberry Basil Salad
Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Salad Spinner
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Serving Plate or Salad Bowl
- Tongs or Salad Servers
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped or torn)
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or any preferred salad mix)
- 50 g feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (Optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries – Wash and remove the green tops. Slice into halves or quarters depending on size.
- Prepare the Basil and Greens – Rinse and dry basil leaves and mixed greens. Tear or chop basil for optimal aroma.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, mixed greens, and basil. Add crumbled feta cheese and optional toasted nuts.
- Make the Dressing – Whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze (or vinegar), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dress the Salad – Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve – Transfer to plates and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
- Swap feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Drizzle honey for extra sweetness.
- Best served with a glass of rosé or lemonade. 🍷🥤
Recommended Kitchen Tools for Strawberry Basil Salad
With these tools, you’ll have everything you need to create a beautifully presented and delicious Strawberry Basil Salad! ✨
Chef’s Knife 🔪
A sharp, high-quality chef’s knife is essential for cleanly slicing strawberries and chopping basil without bruising the leaves. Link HereCutting Board 🪵
Use a large cutting board to keep your prep area organized and clean. A non-slip board works best for safety. Link HereSalad Spinner 🥬
To keep your greens fresh and crisp, rinse them and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner. This prevents sogginess in your salad. Link HereMixing Bowl 🥣
A large mixing bowl is perfect for gently tossing the salad ingredients together without crushing delicate strawberries or basil leaves. Link HereSmall Whisk or Fork 🍴
Use a small whisk or fork to blend your dressing ingredients, ensuring a smooth and well-balanced flavor. Link HereServing Plate or Salad Bowl 🍽️
Choose a wide, shallow serving plate or decorative salad bowl to beautifully display the vibrant colors of the salad. Link HereTongs or Salad Servers 🥄
Tongs or salad servers are perfect for serving without damaging the ingredients, keeping everything well presented. Link Here- Measuring Spoons & Cups 📏
For precise measurements of olive oil, balsamic glaze, and other ingredients, measuring tools come in handy to balance the flavors just right Link Here
