Strawberry Salad with Candied Walnuts & Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette: Refreshing & Flavorful

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing salad bursting with flavors, then this Strawberry Salad with Candied Walnuts and Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette is the perfect choice. Packed with fresh strawberries, crunchy candied walnuts, and a tangy homemade dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of sweet and savory. Let’s dive into the easy-to-follow recipe for this delectable salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• Fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
• Mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional for added creaminess)
• Candied walnuts (recipe provided below)
• Optional ingredients: Bacon, Cucumber, Apples, Hard Boiled Egg, Ham, Raspberry, Blueberry, etc.

For the Candied Walnuts:

• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or a sugar-free sweetener if preferred)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Candied Walnuts Instructions:

1. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts and toast them for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt over the walnuts. Stir continuously to coat the walnuts evenly with the sugar.
3. Cook the walnuts for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and coat the walnuts with a crunchy, sweet glaze.
4. Transfer the candied walnuts to a plate or parchment paper to cool completely. Be cautious as the sugar coating will be hot. Once cooled, the candied walnuts are ready to be used in the salad.

Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the diced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil while blending on low speed until the dressing emulsifies and forms a creamy texture.
4. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning or sweetness to your preference.
5. Transfer the homemade strawberry vinaigrette to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembling the Strawberry Salad:

Now comes the fun part – assembling the Strawberry Salad with Candied Walnuts and Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, fresh strawberries (sliced or halved), and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
2. Toss the salad gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
3. Drizzle the desired amount of homemade strawberry vinaigrette over the salad and toss again to coat the greens with the dressing.
4. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top of the salad to add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this delectable Strawberry Salad!

Customize and Savor:

Feel free to customize this salad based on your preferences. You can add other fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor. If you prefer a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or gorgonzola, you can easily substitute it for the feta.

The homemade strawberry vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, so you can enjoy this salad multiple times throughout the week.

This Strawberry Salad with Candied Walnuts and Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette is perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even as a colorful appetizer for any meal. It’s a wonderful way to savor the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the satisfying crunch of candied walnuts in a healthy and flavorful combination.