Summer Strawberry Salad

Published: July 23, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Flavor Explosion: Fresh strawberries and oranges create a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish for any meal or as a light main course on hot days.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins from fruits and healthy fats from pecans, it’s both delicious and nutritious.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors make it an attractive dish for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Summer Strawberry Salad even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small jar with lid
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
Small jar with lid: Perfect for shaking up the dressing to ensure it’s well mixed before serving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing Summer Strawberry Salad:

For the Salad Base

8 ounces spring mix
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup mandarin oranges
1/2 cup pecans (unsalted)
3.5 ounces crumbled goat cheese
2 Tablespoons sliced green onions

For the Dressing

1/2 cup orange sparkling juice (I used Sanpellegrino)
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1/2 Tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Summer Strawberry Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Combine all salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss them together to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small jar with a lid, add the orange sparkling juice, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly to coat all ingredients in the flavorful dressing.

Enjoy your refreshing Summer Strawberry Salad! Perfect for any occasion where fresh flavors shine bright.

How to Serve Summer Strawberry Salad

This vibrant Summer Strawberry Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing treat for your taste buds. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish.

Presentation Ideas

Layered in Jars: For a picnic, layer the salad ingredients in mason jars. This makes it easy to transport and serves as an attractive presentation.
On Individual Plates: Serve each portion on individual plates for a more formal dining experience. Drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving for freshness.

Pairing Suggestions

With Grilled Chicken: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken for a satisfying meal that balances flavors perfectly.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite grilled meats or seafood. Its fresh flavors complement rich dishes wonderfully.

Garnish Options

Fresh Herbs: Add fresh mint or basil leaves on top for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor.
Edible Flowers: For a stunning visual effect, sprinkle edible flowers over the salad. They add color and a unique twist.

How to Perfect Summer Strawberry Salad

To elevate your Summer Strawberry Salad, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Bold Ingredients: Use ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum sweetness and freshness.
Crunch Factor: Toast the pecans before adding them to bring out their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
Vinaigrette Balance: Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by varying the amount of honey based on personal preference.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or blue cheese for varied tastes.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad briefly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Strawberry Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Summer Strawberry Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that complements the salad’s freshness perfectly.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf provides protein and works well with the salad’s textures and flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add heartiness, making it suitable as a full meal option.
Garlic Breadsticks: These soft, warm breadsticks offer a comforting side that balances out the bright salad.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers are easy to eat and pair well with fruity salads.
Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter can enhance your meal while keeping things light and refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Summer Strawberry Salad turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your strawberries and greens. Fresh produce makes all the difference in flavor.
Skipping the dressing: A well-made dressing elevates your salad. Don’t skip it; combine the ingredients just before serving for the best taste.
Overloading on toppings: While it’s tempting to add too many toppings, balance is key. Stick to the recommended amounts for optimal flavor and texture.
Not chilling the salad: If possible, chill your salad ingredients beforehand. This keeps everything crisp and refreshing for a summer meal.
Ignoring dietary preferences: Be mindful of guests’ dietary needs. Offer alternatives like nuts or cheese on the side for customization.

Refrigerator Storage

Store salad in an airtight container.
It will keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Freezing Summer Strawberry Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and taste.
Fresh salads should be enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor.

Reheating Summer Strawberry Salad

Oven: Not recommended as salads are best served cold.
Microwave: Avoid reheating; it can wilt greens.
Stovetop: Skip this step; enjoy fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Summer Strawberry Salad?

You can easily customize your Summer Strawberry Salad by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. Consider using different berries, nuts, or even swapping goat cheese for feta.

How long does Summer Strawberry Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Summer Strawberry Salad lasts for about 2 days. After that, the greens may wilt and lose their freshness.

What can I serve with my Summer Strawberry Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a side dish at picnics and barbecues. It’s versatile enough to complement any summer meal.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare components ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Summer Strawberry Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of summer. Its versatility allows you to customize it to fit any occasion, making it a great choice for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. We encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with your favorite additions!