Description
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, Strawberry Arugula Salad combines peppery arugula leaves with juicy, sweet strawberries for a light, nutritious meal or vibrant side dish. This salad offers a harmonious flavor profile, easy preparation with simple ingredients, and colorful presentation perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh arugula leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry the arugula leaves thoroughly to keep them crisp. Gently hull and slice the fresh strawberries into thin pieces so they are evenly distributed in the salad.
- Toast the Nuts: Place walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool before adding to preserve their crunch.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss arugula with sliced strawberries, toasted nuts, and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Drizzle with the dressing and toss just enough to coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate leaves.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors at their peak. Garnish as desired for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Use fully ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Dry greens completely using a salad spinner to prevent sogginess.
- Toast nuts lightly to bring out their aroma without burning.
- Start with less dressing and add as needed to avoid overwhelming the salad.
- Serve the salad at room temperature and let it sit 5-10 minutes after tossing to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Strawberry Arugula Salad, fresh salad, spring salad, fruit salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, light meal