Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a light meal, this salad stands out with juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crispy Turkey Bacon. The combination of sweet and tangy dressing elevates the dish, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This salad features high-quality ingredients that bring freshness to your table.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep time of just 27 minutes, you can whip this salad up in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main course, Strawberry Fields Salad suits various occasions.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with proteins from chicken and Turkey Bacon, it’s a healthy choice without sacrificing taste.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Strawberry Fields Salad effortlessly, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Salad tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the salad ingredients and tossing them with dressing.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Baking sheet: Used for roasting pecans to enhance their flavor.
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.
For the Salad Base
- 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: Prepare the Dressing
To make the dressing:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, white sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Gradually whisk in olive oil until well combined.
Step 2: Roast the Pecans
For glazed pecans:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring water, white sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a boil.
3. Add pecans and stir for about 30 seconds to coat well.
4. Transfer coated pecans onto a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
To create your salad:
1. 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.
2. Toss all ingredients gently until well mixed.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Finally:
1. Drizzle with the desired amount of prepared dressing.
2. Toss again lightly before serving to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Enjoy your Strawberry Fields Salad as a refreshing meal option that’s both satisfying and delicious!
How to Serve Strawberry Fields Salad
Serving Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful experience that highlights its fresh and vibrant ingredients. This salad can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, making it versatile for any occasion.
As a Main Course
- Serve it as a standalone dish topped with extra grilled chicken or Turkey Bacon for a satisfying meal.
At a Picnic
- Pack the salad in individual containers for a refreshing addition to your picnic basket.
With Bread
- Pair it with crusty bread or rolls to make a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
For Brunch
- Serve alongside breakfast items like quiche or eggs for an elegant brunch spread.
How to Perfect Strawberry Fields Salad
To elevate your Strawberry Fields Salad, consider these simple tips.
Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest strawberries and greens for the best flavor and texture.
Customize the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of honey based on your preference.
Add Protein: Incorporate more protein such as chickpeas or shrimp for added nutrition and flavor diversity.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes prior to serving to enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing experience.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Fields Salad
Complementing your Strawberry Fields Salad with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds warmth and richness to your meal.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes provide a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs makes for a nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter complements the strawberry theme and offers additional refreshing flavors.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers can create an elegant touch while balancing the salad’s tanginess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Strawberry Fields Salad is easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your greens and strawberries. Fresh ingredients ensure the salad tastes vibrant and delightful.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to reach your desired flavor.
Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper before serving. It enhances the overall taste, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
Skipping ingredient preparation: Ensure all vegetables are sliced properly. Uniform sizes allow for even mixing and a better presentation.
Not letting the pecans cool: Letting pecans cool after baking prevents them from becoming chewy in the salad. Wait until they’re crisp before adding them in.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Keep dressing separate to maintain crispness.
Freezing Strawberry Fields Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it can change the texture of fresh ingredients.
- If you have extra grilled chicken, you can freeze it separately for future use.
Reheating Strawberry Fields Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm grilles chicken until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat chicken slices in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep moisture while warming chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in Strawberry Fields Salad?
You can definitely substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just ensure they complement the other ingredients.
How do I make this Strawberry Fields Salad vegan?
To make it vegan, replace feta cheese with avocado or a dairy-free alternative and omit Turkey Bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
What can I serve with Strawberry Fields Salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken dishes, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner.
How long does Strawberry Fields Salad last?
The salad stays fresh for up to 2 days if stored correctly in the refrigerator without dressing.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful combination of flavors that burst with freshness. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences—whether you want more protein or additional fruits. Give it a try this spring; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Strawberry Fields Salad
Strawberry Fields Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish bursting with the flavors of juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crispy Turkey Bacon. This delightful salad is perfect for summer barbecues or as a light meal that satisfies. With its sweet and tangy dressing, every bite offers a delicious balance of textures and tastes. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this salad is versatile and easy to prepare, making it a favorite for any occasion.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Fresh strawberries
- Red onion
- Dried cranberries
- Feta cheese
- Glazed pecans
- Turkey Bacon
- Grilled chicken
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Roast the pecans by heating sugar, water, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Add pecans, coat them well, then bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until golden.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onion, cranberries, feta cheese, grilled chicken slices, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and glazed pecans. Toss gently.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss lightly again before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing/Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Customize the dressing sweetness with more or less honey. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.