Strawberry Feta Salad Recipe
Strawberry Feta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing combination of juicy strawberries, creamy feta, crisp cucumber, crunchy glazed walnuts, and fresh mixed greens. Finished with a tangy homemade balsamic dressing, this colourful salad is quick, easy, and perfect for lunch, brunch, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Chopping Board
- 1 Food Processor Or Blender
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups
- 1 Baking Paper
Ingredients
- 140 g spring-mix lettuce
- 450 g fresh strawberries
- 60 g crumbled feta cheese
- 85 g candied or glazed walnuts
- 1 English cucumber
- ½ large shallot
- 60 ml balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 60 ml flavourless oil
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Balsamic Dressing
- Add the chopped shallot, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and black pepper to a food processor or blender.
- Blend until the shallot is finely broken down and the ingredients are combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the flavourless oil while blending.
- Continue blending until the dressing thickens and becomes smooth.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare The Salad Ingredients
- Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce, strawberries and cucumber.
- Hull and slice the strawberries.
- Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Crumble the feta if needed.
- Ensure the glazed walnuts are completely cool before adding them.
Step 3: Make Homemade Candied Walnuts, If Desired
- Add the walnuts, granulated sugar, maple syrup, water and salt to a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Continue until the sugar mixture coats the walnuts.
- Transfer the walnuts to baking paper and separate them carefully.
- Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble The Strawberry Feta Salad
- Add the spring-mix lettuce to a large mixing bowl.
- Scatter over the sliced strawberries.
- Add the diced cucumber, crumbled feta and cooled walnuts.
- Gently fold everything together, taking care not to crush the strawberries.
Step 5: Dress And Serve
- Stir the chilled balsamic dressing briefly.
- Drizzle enough dressing over the salad to lightly coat the ingredients.
- Gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and crunch.
Notes
- 🍓 Use Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the sweetest flavour, vibrant colour, and best texture.
- 🥬 Dry the Greens Well: Thoroughly dry the spring-mix lettuce after washing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- 🧀 Choose Good-Quality Feta: Crumbly, creamy feta adds the perfect salty contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- 🌰 Keep Walnuts Crunchy: Allow candied or glazed walnuts to cool completely before adding them to the salad.
- 🍇 Chill the Dressing: Refrigerate the creamy balsamic dressing for at least 30 minutes to help it thicken and develop its flavour.
- 🥗 Dress Before Serving: Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens, cucumber, and walnuts fresh and crisp.
- 🥄 Toss Gently: Fold the ingredients together carefully so the strawberries remain intact and beautifully presented.