Fresh & Easy Strawberry Salad with Lightly Candied Walnuts and Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette: Your Go-To Summer Dish
Welcome to the season of vibrant, refreshing salads! This Strawberry Salad, featuring delicate, lightly candied walnuts and a fragrant rosemary balsamic vinaigrette, transforms simple leafy greens into an extraordinary culinary experience. Perfect as a delightful side dish or a satisfying light entree, it’s the ideal way to savor the freshness of warmer months.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, our kitchens often become hubs for lighter, cooler meals. It’s that wonderful time of year when turning on the oven feels like a chore, and the craving for anything warm diminishes. Instead, we yearn for crisp, refreshing dishes, and salads take center stage. With an abundance of delicious, seasonal produce gracing our markets, crafting a beautiful and satisfying salad has never been easier or more appealing. (And perhaps a scoop of ice cream on the side, but that’s a story for another time!)
The Story Behind This Beloved Strawberry Salad
Today’s culinary gem, the Strawberry Salad with Lightly Candied Walnuts and Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette, carries a special history. It’s a recipe that comes courtesy of a dear friend, Laura, who had a reputation for bringing the most exquisite dishes to potlucks and dinner parties. This particular salad was always a showstopper, and to this day, I affectionately refer to it as “The Laura Salad” every single time I prepare it. For years, I, like Laura, never bothered with a written recipe. Its simplicity and balanced flavors seemed intuitive, an art rather than a science.
However, the sheer delight this salad brought to everyone who tasted it convinced me it was a secret too good to keep. When I finally decided to share it with all of you, the task of writing it down began. This meant, of course, that I had to meticulously measure every ingredient – a surprisingly fun challenge after years of “eyeballing” it! Documenting this recipe allowed me to truly understand the harmony of its components and ensure that its magic could be recreated consistently in any kitchen.
Why This Strawberry Salad Will Become Your New Favorite
Lucky for all of us, this is not just a delicious salad, but also an incredibly simple one to prepare. Its appeal lies in its straightforward nature, boasting a short ingredient list and minimal fuss. Forget about lengthy chopping sessions or intricate cooking steps often associated with gourmet salads. The prep for this dish is remarkably quick, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the beautiful weather and less time in the kitchen.
The Art of Lightly Candied Walnuts
One of the standout components of this salad is the lightly candied walnuts. Unlike many recipes that call for a thick, sugary coating, I’ve opted for a more restrained approach. My husband and I have been mindful of our sugar intake for some time now, and through this journey, I’ve discovered that when it comes to many dishes, especially salads, less sugar often means more flavor. The delicate sugared crust on these walnuts adds just the right touch of sweetness and crunch, complementing the other ingredients without overwhelming them. The process itself is quick and easy, taking no more than 5 minutes to transform plain walnuts into irresistible, glistening gems.
The Signature Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette
The dressing is another star of this recipe: a beautifully balanced vinaigrette made with quality balsamic vinegar, a touch of maple syrup (or honey for an alternative sweetness), fragrant fresh rosemary, and robust olive oil, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. All it takes is a whisk and a bowl to bring this flavorful dressing to life. The rosemary infuses the vinaigrette with an earthy, aromatic note that pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the walnuts. This homemade dressing elevates the entire salad, making it taste far more complex than its simple ingredients suggest.
Freshness from Strawberries and Greens
The only other main components are the star strawberries and your chosen greens. For ultimate convenience and speed, I recommend using a pre-washed spring mix or mixed field greens. These provide a delightful variety of textures and subtle flavors that form the perfect base. The strawberries simply need to be stemmed, cored, and sliced, adding bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color. With these few, fresh ingredients, you’ll have this stunning and satisfying salad on your table in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. A heartfelt thanks to Laura for the wonderful inspiration!
Strawberry Salad with Candied Walnuts and Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette Nutrition Notes:
Understanding the nutritional value of your meal is always beneficial. The nutrition information provided below is calculated for an entree-sized portion of this delightful salad. This recipe is designed to yield two generous entree-sized salads, or alternatively, four smaller side salads. If you plan to serve this recipe as a side dish, simply divide all the nutrition facts by two to accurately reflect the values for a single side portion.
Strawberry Salad with Lightly Candied Walnuts and Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried rosemary, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 6 medium strawberries, stemmed, cored and sliced
- 5 ounces salad greens (spring mix or mixed field greens spinach, arugula, red or leaf lettuce), about 8 cups
Instructions
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Toast walnuts in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When they become fragrant, push walnuts to the side of the skillet. Add sugar to the center of the skillet to melt. Stir the walnuts into the melted sugar. The nuts will only be lightly coated. Remove from heat and allow to cool in the skillet. Break up clumps of nuts with a wooden spoon or your hands.
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Whisk together remaining teaspoon of syrup, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, salt and pepper. Continue whisking vigorously while slowly drizzling in the olive oil. Toss greens with this dressing to coat in a large bowl.
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Split greens evenly among 2-4 bowls. Top with portions of sliced strawberries and candied walnuts. Serve immediately.
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Serving Suggestions and Customization for Your Salad
This Strawberry Salad is wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your plate. Its vibrant profile also makes it an excellent light entree on its own, especially when you’re craving something fresh and satisfying. To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy counterpoint to the sweet strawberries, or even a sprinkle of toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
For those looking to get creative, don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients. While walnuts are a fantastic choice, candied pecans or almonds would also be delicious. You could also try adding other fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for an extra layer of fruitiness. A light protein such as grilled shrimp or thinly sliced rotisserie chicken can easily transform this side salad into a full and balanced dinner.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Salad Experience
Achieving salad perfection often comes down to a few simple tips:
- Fresh Ingredients are Key: Always choose the freshest strawberries and crispest greens you can find. The quality of your produce directly impacts the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- Don’t Overdress: A common mistake is using too much dressing. Start with half the vinaigrette, toss, and add more only if needed. The goal is to lightly coat the greens, not drown them.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and crispness, this salad is best served right after tossing with the dressing. The acid in the vinaigrette can cause the greens to wilt if left too long.
- Prep Ahead: If you’re planning to serve this for a gathering, you can prepare the candied walnuts and the rosemary balsamic vinaigrette a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers at room temperature (walnuts) and in the refrigerator (dressing). Slice the strawberries just before assembling the salad.
- Rosemary Notes: If using fresh rosemary, ensure it’s finely minced to distribute its flavor evenly without overpowering. If opting for dried rosemary, use slightly less (about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon), as its flavor is more concentrated.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
Beyond its incredible taste and ease of preparation, this Strawberry Salad is packed with beneficial nutrients. Strawberries are renowned for their high Vitamin C content, potent antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to immune health and digestion. Walnuts are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health, along with protein and fiber. The leafy greens, whether spring mix or field greens, provide an array of vitamins, minerals, and additional fiber. Even the balsamic vinaigrette, made with olive oil, offers healthy monounsaturated fats. By choosing lightly candied walnuts and a homemade dressing, you maintain control over sugar and unhealthy additives, ensuring this salad is as wholesome as it is delicious.
This delightful salad truly embodies the essence of fresh, healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable and utterly satisfying.
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, impressive, and healthy dish, remember “The Laura Salad.” Its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and harmonious flavors are sure to brighten any meal and gather many compliments. Enjoy the freshness!