Strawberry Salad with Granola is a delightful explosion of flavors, colors, and textures that can brighten any meal. Imagine biting into juicy strawberries, their sweetness practically dancing on your taste buds while the crunch of granola adds a satisfying texture. This salad is not just food; it’s an experience that you will want to repeat again and again.
Whenever I prepare this Strawberry Salad with Granola, I am flooded with fond memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. The refreshing taste makes it ideal for sunny afternoons or as a light dessert after a hearty meal. Trust me; this salad will have your guests buzzing with excitement and asking for the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Salad with Granola
- This incredible Strawberry Salad with Granola transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
I’ve lost count of how many compliments I’ve received from friends and family over this salad; it’s always a hit during our gatherings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Choose vibrant red strawberries that are firm yet slightly yielding for optimal sweetness.
Granola: A crunchy granola mix adds texture. Opt for one without added sugars for a healthier option.
Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach serves as a nutritious base, providing color and vital nutrients.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta offers a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of strawberries perfectly.
Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle enhances flavors immensely; choose high-quality balsamic for the best results.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits in dressing the salad.
Honey: A touch of honey adds natural sweetness to the dressing; adjust to taste based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberry Salad with Granola
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Strawberry Salad with Granola:
Prepare the Greens: Rinse baby spinach under cold water until clean and crisp before draining thoroughly. Pat dry gently with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Slice the Strawberries: Hull fresh strawberries using a knife or strawberry huller. Slice them into halves or quarters depending on size preference while keeping their beautiful color intact.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness according to personal preference.
Toss the Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and granola. Drizzle dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve Immediately: Transfer your stunning Strawberry Salad with Granola onto individual plates or serve family-style in one big bowl. Enjoy while fresh for maximum flavor impact!
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it by adding nuts or switching up fruits based on what you have available at home.
Now that you’ve mastered this refreshing dish, you’re set to impress at your next gathering!
This showstopping Strawberry Salad with Granola delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your ingredients: wash the strawberries, chop the lettuce, and measure the granola. Assemble everything just before serving to keep the greens crisp and refreshing.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding feta cheese or nuts for extra flavor and crunch. You can also swap out strawberries for seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries to keep things interesting.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Strawberry Salad with Granola
- This professional-quality Strawberry Salad with Granola relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
The first time I served this strawberry salad with granola at a picnic, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it—especially when I told them how easy it was to make!
FAQ
What dressings pair well with Strawberry Salad with Granola?
A light vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing complements the sweetness of strawberries beautifully. For a creamy option, try a yogurt-based dressing that adds richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time but combine them right before serving to maintain crispness. Dressings can be made in advance and stored separately for optimal freshness.
What are some recommended add-ins for this salad?
Besides granola, consider adding sliced almonds or walnuts for crunch, crumbled feta cheese for creaminess, or even grilled chicken if you want it to be more filling.
How do I choose ripe strawberries?
Look for bright red strawberries without white or green patches; they should feel firm yet slightly soft when gently squeezed. Fresh strawberries should also smell fragrant—this is a good sign they’re sweet!
Conclusion for Strawberry Salad with Granola
In summary, this delightful Strawberry Salad with Granola is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and versatility. With simple preparation steps and customizable options, it’s perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to festive gatherings. Enjoy impressing your family and friends while savoring every bite!
Strawberry Salad with Granola
This Strawberry Salad with Granola is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with juicy strawberries, crunchy granola, and creamy feta, this salad combines sweet and savory flavors for an unforgettable experience. Perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side at gatherings, it’s simple to make and sure to impress your guests!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 22 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup granola (preferably unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse baby spinach under cold water and drain thoroughly. Pat dry gently with a kitchen towel.
- Hull the strawberries using a knife or huller and slice them into halves or quarters.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and granola. Drizzle dressing over the top and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately on individual plates or family-style in one large bowl.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider mixing in sliced almonds or walnuts. Try substituting seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries for variety. To maintain freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
