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- 2 cups fresh strawberries - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1 cup baby spinach - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese - ¼ cup walnuts - 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste To make the Strawberry Basil Salad, you need fresh ingredients. Start with strawberries, which should be ripe and juicy. Look for bright red berries without any blemishes. The basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch. Choose vibrant green leaves for the best flavor. Baby spinach gives a nice crunch and color. Next, the feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. It balances well with the sweetness of the strawberries. Walnuts give a lovely crunch and healthy fats. For the dressing, balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy kick. Olive oil brings richness to the salad. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You can find the full recipe to create this fresh and flavorful delight! - Hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries. - Tear 1 cup of fresh basil leaves into small pieces. - Chop 1 cup of baby spinach into bite-sized pieces. This simple prep makes your salad fresh and bright. Use a sharp knife to slice the strawberries. Clean the basil and spinach well before tearing and chopping. This ensures that all flavors mix well later. - Combine the sliced strawberries, torn basil, and chopped spinach in a large mixing bowl. - Add ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup of roughly chopped walnuts. Mixing these ingredients brings together a sweet and savory taste. The feta cheese adds creaminess, while walnuts give a nice crunch. - Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Toss gently to mix everything together. Be careful not to crush the strawberries while tossing. The glaze and oil will enhance the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your liking. Enjoy your fresh Strawberry Basil Salad! For more details, check the Full Recipe. How to pick ripe strawberries Choose strawberries that are bright red. The berries should feel firm but not hard. Look for shiny skin and a fresh green green top. Avoid any berries with soft spots or mold. Smell the strawberries; ripe ones have a sweet aroma. Identifying fresh basil Fresh basil should have vibrant green leaves. The leaves should feel smooth and not wilted. Check for any dark spots or yellowing. A fresh basil plant gives off a strong, sweet scent. If the smell is weak, it might not be fresh. Best ways to present the salad For a stunning look, serve your salad in a large bowl. You can also use individual plates for a personal touch. Drizzle a bit of extra balsamic glaze on top for shine. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig for added color. Ideal pairings with entrées This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It complements pasta dishes too. You can also serve it with a light sandwich. The fresh flavors balance heavier meals nicely. Alternatives to balsamic glaze If you want a twist, try honey mustard dressing. A lemon vinaigrette also works well. For a creamy touch, use a yogurt-based dressing. Each option adds a unique flavor to your salad. Homemade dressing ideas Making your own dressing is easy and fun! Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. You can also mix olive oil with apple cider vinegar. Add herbs like oregano for more flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily change this salad with seasonal fruits. Try adding peaches or blueberries in summer. They add sweetness and a nice color pop. You can also swap baby spinach for mixed greens. This makes it light and fresh. Each season brings new flavors to enjoy. If you want a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess. For a gluten-free option, the salad is already great as is. Just make sure your balsamic glaze is gluten-free. These swaps keep the salad tasty for all diets. To boost flavors, add herbs like mint or cilantro. These herbs bring a fresh twist. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for heat. Adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp makes it a complete meal. These enhancements keep the salad exciting and filling. For the full recipe, check out the original source. To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting. You can layer paper towels inside to absorb moisture. This keeps the leaves crisp. For pre-prepared ingredients, store strawberries and basil separately. Add them to the salad only when you are ready to eat. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. You can store the salad for about three days in the fridge. After this time, it may lose its taste and texture. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the basil turns brown or the strawberries become mushy, it's time to toss it. Get creative with leftover ingredients! You can turn the salad into a sandwich. Just layer it between slices of bread. Another option is to make a wrap. Use a tortilla to hold the salad and some protein. This makes a tasty meal for lunch or a snack. For the full recipe of this delightful salad, check out the complete guide! Strawberries are low in calories and high in vitamins. They provide vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. They also contain fiber, which helps digestion. Plus, strawberries have antioxidants that protect your body from damage. Basil is more than just a tasty herb. It has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your health. Basil supports heart health and may help reduce stress. Adding basil to your diet can enhance your overall wellness. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead of time. Slice the strawberries and chop the spinach earlier in the day. Keep the salad dry and separate from the dressing. This way, the salad stays fresh and crisp. To maintain freshness, store the salad in an airtight container. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the flavors bright and prevents sogginess. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The fresh flavors complement the protein nicely. You can also enjoy it with a light pasta dish for a filling meal. For beverages, try a chilled white wine. A sparkling water with lemon also works well. Both choices enhance the salad's fresh taste. Absolutely! You can package this salad for easy meals. Use small containers to portion out servings. This makes it easy to grab and go. For meal prep storage, the salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate. This will help keep your salad fresh. For the full recipe, check out the details above and enjoy! This blog post covered everything you need to know to make a tasty Strawberry Basil Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips to enhance your dish. Don't forget to get creative with swaps and storage tips to keep it fresh. With this guide, you're ready to impress at your next meal. Enjoy every bite and feel great knowing you're eating healthy!

Strawberry Basil Salad

Elevate your summer meals with this refreshing Strawberry Basil Delight! This vibrant salad features juicy strawberries, fresh basil, and creamy feta, all tossed in a delicious balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick 10-minute prep, it’s ideal for summer gatherings or a light lunch. Discover the full recipe and tips for presentation that will impress your guests. Click through to explore this delightful dish and impress with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1 cup baby spinach, chopped

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

3 tablespoons balsamic glaze

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, torn basil leaves, and chopped baby spinach.

    Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts to the bowl.

      Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the ingredients.

        Gently toss the salad together until everything is well mixed, being careful not to crush the strawberries.

          Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates. Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on top for visual appeal and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.