Simple Strawberry and Feta Salad
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, it’s time to welcome spring with open arms and fresh, vibrant salads. Our Strawberry Feta Salad is the perfect celebration of the season, combining the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries with the tangy saltiness of feta cheese.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes recommend products from other sellers at no extra cost you. For more details see my disclosure policy and privacy policy.
This delightful salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a burst of springtime flavor in every bite. The crisp greens provide a perfect backdrop for the star ingredients, while a drizzle of homemade balsamic glaze adds a touch of sophisticated sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or an impressive starter for your next dinner party, this Strawberry Feta Salad is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal delight: Showcases the best of spring produce with fresh strawberries and crisp greens.
- Balance of flavors: The perfect combination of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
- Quick and easy: Ready in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile: Can be easily customized with different fruits or additions to suit your taste.
What is Balsamic Glaze?
Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar that creates a thick, syrupy consistency with an intense, sweet-tart flavor. By simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and concentrates, you get a rich, glossy sauce that adds a gourmet touch to salads, meats, and even desserts. In this recipe, the homemade balsamic glaze elevates the simple ingredients, tying together the flavors of the strawberries, feta, and greens in a harmonious blend.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp base for the salad with a mild, refreshing flavor. Its crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the softer ingredients.
- Arugula: Adds a peppery kick and interesting texture to complement the sweet strawberries. Its slightly bitter notes help balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the show, bringing sweetness and vibrant color. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor and visual appeal.
- Feta cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries. Its salty flavor helps to enhance the other ingredients in the salad.
- Pecan halves: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the mix. Pecans also contribute healthy fats and a subtle sweetness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used to lightly dress the salad before adding the balsamic glaze. It helps to coat the ingredients and bind the flavors together.
- Balsamic vinegar: This will be reduced to create a rich, flavorful glaze. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy element that ties all the ingredients together.
- Sea salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning. These basic seasonings help to enhance the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!
Substitutions and Additions
- Baby spinach: Can replace or be mixed with the romaine and arugula for added nutrients.
- Goat cheese: A creamy alternative to feta if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Sliced almonds or walnuts: Can substitute for pecans based on preference or availability.
- Grilled chicken: Add for extra protein and to turn the salad into a main course.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine Romaine lettuce, arugula, quartered strawberries, crumbled Feta cheese, and pecan halves.
Season the salad with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and gently toss to combine. Set aside.
In a saucepan, heat balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until it begins to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, stirring continually, for about 8-10 minutes until the liquid is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume.
Remove the balsamic reduction from heat and let it cool slightly.
Transfer the salad to individual plates or a large serving bowl.
Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the salad for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Make extra balsamic glaze to keep on hand for future salads or to drizzle over grilled meats.
- If preparing in advance, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Feta Salad is versatile and pairs well with many dishes:
- Serve alongside Grilled Chicken Breast for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with a Creamy Tomato Soup for a delightful lunch combination.
- Offer as a starter before a main course of Baked Salmon for an elegant dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the balsamic glaze in a separate container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
To serve, combine the ingredients and dress the salad just before eating to maintain freshness and prevent wilting. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries in this salad?
Fresh strawberries are best for this salad as they provide the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to be too soft when thawed and may make the salad watery.
How long does homemade balsamic glaze last?
Homemade balsamic glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring it to room temperature before using.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The salad is still delicious without cheese, relying on the strawberries and balsamic glaze for flavor.
What other fruits work well in this salad?
This salad is versatile and works well with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You could also try it with sliced peaches or nectarines in the summer.
How can I turn this into a main course salad?
To make this a more substantial main course, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein. You could also add cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
Strawberry Feta Salad
Enjoy this bright and cheerful summer salad with strawberries, feta and spinach for a light meal or lunch
Ingredients
- 2 c. Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 c. arugula
- 1-pint fresh strawberries, trimmed and quartered
- 3 oz. Feta cheese
- ½ c. pecan halves
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 c. balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Add the Romaine lettuce, arugula, strawberries, Feta cheese and pecans to a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and drizzle with the olive oil. Gently toss to combine and set aside.
To make the balsamic glaze, heat the balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring continually, until the liquid is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool slightly before drizzling over the salad. Transfer the salad to individual or a large salad bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
When you're done with the salad dressing, drizzle it over the strawberry spinach salad and eat it right away since the spinach will wilt.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 297Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 289mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 4gSugar: 16gProtein: 6g
