I remember the first time I tried a strawberry vinaigrette. I was at a little cafe tucked away in a small town during a road trip. The salad was simple, but the vinaigrette... oh, the vinaigrette! It was a burst of fresh, summery flavour that completely elevated the entire dish. I knew I had to recreate it. What does this mean for you? Well, if you're anything like me, you're about to fall in love with salads all over again.
This Spring Strawberry Vinaigrette Vivacity Salad is more than just a salad; it's an experience. The sweetness of the strawberries, the tang of the goat cheese, the crunch of the pecans, all tied together with a homemade strawberry vinaigrette that is just bursting with flavour. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make! I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years, and I'm so excited to share it with you. Ready to bring some spring vivacity to your table?
I think, what is the point of a salad that doesn't excite you? This isn't your boring, run-of-the-mill salad. We're talking vibrant colours, bold flavours, and textures that make every bite a joy. The homemade strawberry vinaigrette is the star of the show, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans. Even better, its good for you too!
Required Equipments
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- Small saucepan
Spring Strawberry Vinaigrette Vivacity Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Spring Strawberry Vinaigrette Vivacity Salad
Elevate your salad game with this Spring Strawberry Vinaigrette Vivacity Salad! Fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans come together in a vibrant salad drizzled with a homemade strawberry vinaigrette that is bursting with flavour.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prep the Strawberries: Gently wash 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Remove the green caps and slice them into smaller pieces. Set aside a handful of the prettiest slices for garnishing your salad later – presentation matters!
- Blend the Vinaigrette: Add about ¾ of the strawberries to your blender. You can add all if you want the vinaigrette extra sweet and flavorful but i perfer to use 3/4. Pour in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey (or agave), and a tiny splash (about 1 teaspoon) of water. Adding water helps to get a nice, smooth consitency.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start on a low setting, gradually increasing the speed until the mixture is completely smooth. This might take about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender.
- Taste and Adjust: Carefully pour the vinaigrette from the blender into a small saucepan. Taste it! Does it need a bit more sweetness? Add a tiny drop more honey. Does it need a bit more zing? Another few drops of apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper to make the flavours pop, if you like.
- Simmer Gently: Place the saucepan over low heat. Let the vinaigrette simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step helps to meld the flavors together and thicken the vinaigrette slightly. Make sure it doesn’t boil!
- Cool and Transfer: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the vinaigrette to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Its better to keep it in the fridge, will last longer this way and be fresh!
- Prepare the Salad Base: While the vinaigrette is cooling, prepare your salad base. In a large bowl, combine 5 ounces of baby spinach, 3 ounces of arugula (for that peppery bite!), and any other salad greens you love. I sometimes add some romaine for extra crunch. Make sure the greens are dry before using.
- Add the Cheese: Crumble 4 ounces of goat cheese over the salad greens. The creamy tang of the goat cheese is just magical with the sweet strawberries.
- Add the Nuts: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of candied pecans or walnuts over the salad. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the cooled strawberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Don’t drown it! Start with a little and add more to taste. You want the salad to be lightly coated, not swimming in dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the reserved strawberry slices over the top of the salad for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the vivacity!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 70mg
