Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The peppery arugula complements the sweetness of the strawberries, while the feta adds a creamy richness to each bite. The vinaigrette brings everything together with a tangy kick, making this a refreshing and satisfying dish. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 cups fresh arugula or baby spinach
- 1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled garlic-and-herb feta cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
For the vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced rosemary
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced sage
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
-
Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, sliced strawberries, nuts, feta cheese, and green onions.
-
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, sage, celery seed, and black pepper.
-
Toss and serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 12 servings and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare.
Variations
- Spinach Substitute: If you’re not a fan of arugula, you can easily swap it out for baby spinach for a milder flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer a different flavor profile, blue cheese or cottage cheese can be used in place of the feta.
- Extra Crunch: Add walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, but be sure to keep the dressing separate. It will last up to two days if undressed, but once dressed, it’s best eaten within 30 minutes to an hour.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir or shake before using.
Can I substitute the arugula with something else?
Yes! If you don’t like arugula, you can use spinach or even mixed greens as a substitute.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I store leftover salad?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate. It will last for up to 2 days if undressed.
Can I use store-bought vinaigrette?
While homemade vinaigrette offers the best flavor, you can use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette if you’re short on time.
What other nuts can I use in this salad?
Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts would be great alternatives to almonds or pine nuts.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving, but you can prep the ingredients and store them separately until you’re ready to assemble.
Is this salad low in calories?
Yes, this salad is light and healthy, with fewer than 110 calories per serving.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta is a delicious, quick, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its refreshing combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the peppery bite of arugula, and the creamy richness of feta cheese, all drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette. A perfect balance of flavors and textures, this salad is quick, healthy, and versatile—ideal for lunch or as a refreshing side to any meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh arugula or baby spinach
- 1–1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled garlic-and-herb feta cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
-
For the Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced rosemary
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced sage
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the arugula (or spinach), sliced strawberries, slivered almonds (or pine nuts), crumbled feta cheese, and chopped green onions.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, sage, celery seed, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Spinach Substitute: If you’re not fond of arugula, feel free to swap it with baby spinach for a milder flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try using blue cheese or cottage cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, add walnuts or pecans.
