Strawberry Walnut Salad

Strawberry Walnut Salad is an irresistible side that comes together quickly and is a perfect addition to all kinds of get togethers. Sweet strawberries, toasted walnuts, tangy feta and spring mix salad are tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. 

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Are you a salad lover but hate the way your own salads turn out?

That was me all throughout my 20’s.

I grew up eating big homemade salads with my family during the warmer months. We would make these glorious do it yourself salad bars but more like the “at home” version. It wasn’t unusual to find albacore, dried fruits, nuts, cheese and all kinds of veggies that we then would toss with a homemade dressing. It was pure heaven!

Then, when I started making salads for myself I struggled living up to what my parents so effortlessly pulled off in the salad department. Everything I made tasted like weeds.

That is, until I started experimenting more. I learned that I loved flavorful salad dressings like my Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette, Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing and Creamy Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing.

Another huge lesson learned, textures can make or break a salad. Having crisp veggies combined with the crunch of a nut and the creaminess of cheese can make a boring salad fun.

In addition to having a delicious dressing and interesting textures, incorporating a small amount of sweet, saltiness and a fair amount of acidity can really seal the deal on an awesome salad.

All of these approaches can be seen in this very simple and delicious Strawberry Walnut Salad.

Walnut Benefits

If there is one nut to start incorporating into your diet, that would be walnuts. Not only are they part of the Mediterranean Diet, they also have several science-based health benefits. If you’re not a huge walnut lover, one of the easiest ways to incorporate them into your diet is by tossing a few into salads.

Strawberry Benefits

Not only are strawberries high in vitamins and antioxidants, eating them has been associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases.

Organic Strawberries

In complete honesty, there was a time that I shied away from eating all forms of strawberries. I had read that even organic strawberries were extremely heavy in pesticides. However, not willing to give up one of my favorite fruits, I dug deeper. Thankfully, because of nonprofit corporations such as Environmental Working Group and their work, I now feel confident eating organic strawberries.

Mixed Greens

Pre-packed Spring mix salad was used for this Strawberry Salad because off the variety of lettuces in Spring mix work well with strawberries and walnuts. However, spinach romaine, red leaf, green leaf and arugula would all be delicious options on their own or mixed together.

How To Make Toasted Walnuts

Toasting walnuts is a wonderful way to amp up the nutty flavor for salads. Thankfully, it is very simple to do. Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. Arrange walnuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet (highly recommend a healthier brand like this).
3. Bake for 8-10 mins or until walnut pieces are lightly golden brown and smell amazing. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature on the cookie sheet. Pro Tip: Start watching them around the 5 min mark as walnuts can burn very quickly. 

Storing Toasted Walnuts

Once the toasted walnuts have completely cooled to room temperature store extras in a ziplock bag or airtight container. If stored properly they will last anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

Best Balsamic Vinegar

A really good balsamic vinegar can make all the difference in recipes like a vinaigrette or a glaze. Quality really does matter, however it can be very confusing when buying balsamic. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing balsamic vinegar for your recipe.

1. Avoid balsamic vinegars with added caramel coloring and sweetener. Keep in mind that most balsamic vinegars in the grocery store are imitation balsamic. However, with the addition of caramel coloring and sweetener, it becomes extremely apparent in the taste.
2. Ideally, there should only be two ingredients on the label, cooked grape must and vinegar. However, the highest quality of balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy will only have the ingredient of cooked grape must. (This is a good mid-range balsamic and this is an acceptable imitation balsamic.) 

Strawberry Walnut Salad Variations 

• Protein Boost- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a protein-packed version of this salad. The balsamic vinaigrette complements various proteins beautifully.
• Cheese Options- Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese, shredded Parmesan, or blue cheese for a unique flavor twist. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
• Nut Choices- Swap out walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pine nuts for a different nutty flavor and texture.
• Fruit Alternatives- Use blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries instead of strawberries.

Hints and Tips

• Make the vinaigrette first so the flavors have time to blend. 
• Get creative with additional add-ins like dried cranberries, blue cheese crumbles, sliced grilled chicken, avocado, etc.
• Toast extra walnuts so you can add more crunch later if desired. 
• Wash and dry the lettuce well for maximum crispness.
• Store any extra dressing in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Keep a close eye on the walnuts while toasting to prevent burning. The toasting process enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step for an extra crunchy texture.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Ensure your spring mix is crisp and vibrant to enhance the overall salad experience.
• Mixing the Vinaigrette: Whisk the balsamic vinaigrette well, ensuring it emulsifies properly. This step ensures that the oil and vinegar blend together, creating a cohesive and flavorful dressing.

Storing the Salad

• Store undressed salad greens in a resealable plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture. It will stay fresh for 3-5 days.
• Place dressed salad in an airtight container. It will keep well for 2-3 days.
• Store the vinaigrette in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of lettuce besides spring mix?

Yes, you can use any variety of lettuce you prefer, such as romaine, spinach, arugula, mixed greens, etc. The spring mix provides a nice blend of textures and flavors, but the salad will work with any lettuce.

What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use? 

 An aged balsamic vinegar is best to balance the sweetness of the honey. Look for one aged at least 3 years. If you only have regular balsamic vinegar, you may want to use a bit less honey to balance the flavors.

Can I use a different type of vinegar in the balsamic vinaigrette?

Absolutely! While balsamic vinegar adds a rich flavor, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be great alternatives. Experiment with different vinegars to find your preferred taste.

Is it possible to make the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good shake before using to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Do I need to toast the walnuts?

 It’s recommended to toast the walnuts as it really brings out their flavor and crunchy texture. But if you don’t have time, you can skip this step. The salad will still taste delicious!

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use thawed, sliced frozen strawberries. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid so they don’t make the salad too watery.

Can I omit the honey in the vinaigrette for a less sweet flavor?

Certainly! Feel free to adjust the honey to your taste preferences. You can also substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.