Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a gentle breeze, and a bowl bursting with vibrant greens and juicy reds. That's the essence of this Spring Bok Choy & Strawberry Zen Garden Salad. I had this salad last spring at my friend's house, and I couldn't wait to get the receipe to share it with you! It's not just a salad; it's an experience, a little piece of culinary zen that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Forget those boring, wilted salads of the past. This one is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients that dance on your palate.
Bok choy, with its crisp, mild flavor, forms the perfect base for this culinary creation. It's like the blank canvas upon which we paint our masterpiece. And then come the strawberries, those ruby-red jewels that add a burst of sweetness and a touch of summery nostalgia. Did you know that strawberries are technically not berries? They're actually the enlarged ends of the strawberry plant's stamen. Who knew a salad could be so educational? The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together, adding a tangy depth that perfectly complements the other flavors.
This salad is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish to impress your friends and family. What does this mean for you? It means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the simple pleasures of life. In our busy lives, taking a moment to appreciate a delicious, healthy meal can be a small act of self-care that makes a big difference. Also, I did notice that after eating this my skin was glowwwing!!!
Required Equipments
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Salad Spinner
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Small Bowl
Spring Bok Choy and Strawberry Zen Garden Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Spring Bok Choy and Strawberry Zen Garden Salad
This Spring Bok Choy & Strawberry Zen Garden Salad recipe combines crisp bok choy and sweet strawberries with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and vibrant dish that's easy to make and bursting with flavor.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pay special attention to the base where the leaves meet the stem, as dirt tends to hide there.
- Shake off excess water and pat the bok choy dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Ensuring the bok choy is dry will help the dressing adhere better.
- Stack the bok choy leaves on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the bok choy crosswise into bite-sized ribbons, about 1/2 inch thick. This will make it easier to eat and distribute the flavors evenly.
- Transfer the sliced bok choy to a large bowl. Set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Gently rinse the strawberries under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the green tops with a paring knife or a strawberry huller.
- Place the strawberries on the cutting board and slice them into thin rounds or quarter them, depending on their size. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the bok choy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the bok choy and strawberries. Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.
- Serve the salad immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of your Spring Bok Choy & Strawberry Zen Garden Salad!
📝 Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh mint.
- Feel free to experiment with other greens, such as spinach or arugula, for a different flavor profile.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 40 mg
