Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful dish that combines juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crispy Turkey Bacon for a burst of flavor in every bite. This salad is perfect for spring gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal any day of the week. With its vibrant colors and mix of textures, it stands out as not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad is packed with fresh produce, making it a healthy choice any time of year.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this flavorful dish in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side at your next barbecue or family gathering.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy dressing creates an irresistible taste sensation.
• Nutritious Options: Incorporating grilled chicken and Turkey Bacon adds protein, making it satisfying without being heavy.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Strawberry Fields Salad effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Large salad bowl: Provides ample space for tossing the ingredients together without making a mess.
• Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting pecans evenly in the oven.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing the sweet glaze for your pecans.

Ingredients

Strawberry Fields Salad with juicy fresh strawberries, feta cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, Turkey Bacon, grilled chicken, glazed pecans, and a sweet and tangy dressing is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:
– 1 (5-ounce) package mixed greens
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles
– 1/2 cup glazed pecans (recipe below)
– 4 slices Turkey Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
– 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil

For Glazed Pecans

• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Fields Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, white sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Glazed Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring water, white sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a boil. Add pecan halves and stir for about 30 seconds to coat them evenly. Transfer coated pecans to a greased baking sheet and bake for about 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, feta cheese crumbles, sliced grilled chicken breasts, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and glazed pecans.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Toss everything together gently with your desired amount of dressing until all ingredients are well coated.

Enjoy your Strawberry Fields Salad as a refreshing meal or side dish!

How to Serve Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors and textures, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Meal

• This salad can be enjoyed on its own for a light lunch or dinner, providing a balanced mix of protein and greens.

With Grilled Shrimp

• Adding grilled shrimp on top elevates the dish with an extra layer of flavor and protein, perfect for seafood lovers.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Serve with warm garlic bread for a comforting meal that complements the freshness of the salad.

Pairing with a Fruit Smoothie

• A refreshing fruit smoothie can enhance the overall freshness of your meal, making it perfect for spring or summer days.

Served at Picnics

• Pack this salad in individual containers for an easy-to-transport dish that’s sure to impress at any outdoor gathering.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include this salad as part of a larger brunch menu, combining it with other light dishes like quiche or fruit platters.

How to Perfect Strawberry Fields Salad

To ensure your Strawberry Fields Salad is nothing short of spectacular, consider these simple tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using the freshest strawberries and greens will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing according to your taste preferences.
• Add Crunch: Incorporating additional nuts or seeds can provide an enjoyable crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of berries.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and presentation, serve the salad right after tossing it with the dressing.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different proteins such as grilled salmon or chickpeas for a unique twist each time you make it.
• Chill Ingredients: Use chilled ingredients for the salad; this keeps everything crisp and refreshing, especially on hot days.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Fields Salad

When serving Strawberry Fields Salad, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Quinoa Pilaf: A healthy grain option that adds texture and nutty flavor.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers provide a flavorful bite-sized treat.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add warmth and earthy flavors to balance the sweetness of the salad.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans create a filling accompaniment.
5. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort that pairs well with salads.
6. Cucumber Mint Salad: A refreshing cucumber mint salad enhances the lightness of Strawberry Fields Salad while adding a refreshing crunch.
7. Pasta Primavera: Light pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables makes for a colorful side dish full of flavor.
8. Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to your savory meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Fields Salad, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious dish.

• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh flavors. Start with a little and add more gradually to suit your taste.
• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for a vibrant salad. Always check the freshness of your strawberries, greens, and other components before use.
• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season can make your salad bland. Remember to add salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
• Ignoring texture variety: A lack of texture can make your salad less enjoyable. Include crispy elements like Turkey Bacon and glazed pecans for contrast.
• Preparing in advance without care: Assembling the salad too early may lead to soggy greens. Keep dressing separate until just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
• Keep dressing separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Fields Salad

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
• If you must freeze components, consider freezing the grilled chicken separately.

Reheating Strawberry Fields Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat chicken in microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes until warm. Avoid heating greens as they wilt easily.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strawberry Fields Salad unique?

This salad combines sweet strawberries with savory feta and crispy Turkey Bacon, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Can I customize the Strawberry Fields Salad?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap out cheeses, or include other fruits based on your preferences.

How should I serve Strawberry Fields Salad?

This salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side for grilled meats at gatherings and barbecues.

How do I keep the strawberries fresh in my salad?

Add them right before serving and store any leftovers separately if possible to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Fields Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various ingredients. Its combination of sweet and savory elements makes it a favorite for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you can easily adjust it based on your taste preferences!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Strawberry Fields Salad

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Strawberry Fields Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully combines the sweetness of juicy strawberries with the creaminess of feta cheese and the crunch of crispy Turkey Bacon. This delightful salad is perfect for spring gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal any day of the week. With its colorful ingredients and satisfying textures, it not only pleases the palate but also makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.

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Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• Fresh strawberries
• Red onion
• Dried cranberries
• Feta cheese
• Glazed pecans
• Turkey Bacon
• Grilled chicken
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• White sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Make the dressing by whisking together apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
2. Prepare glazed pecans by boiling water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Add pecans to coat them evenly, then bake on a greased baking sheet at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onion, dried cranberries, feta cheese, grilled chicken slices, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and glazed pecans.
4. Dress the salad with your desired amount of dressing and toss gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg