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Fresh strawberry arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette, a delightful summer dish.

Strawberry Arugula Salad: The Balsamic-Marinated Twist

This vibrant Strawberry Arugula Salad offers a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and peppery notes. The unique twist of balsamic-marinated strawberries infuses the fruit with rich flavor, creating a complex and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 ounces arugula
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 pound strawberries thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup finely chopped red onion (about ½ small onion)
  • 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta or 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • ½ cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
  • ½ cup halved and thinly sliced radish (about 3 medium)
  • 1 medium jalapeño very thinly sliced (omit if sensitive to spice)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 clove garlic pressed or minced
  • Pinch fine sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • salad spinner
  • Liquid measuring cup or a small bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Large serving platter or a large serving bowl

Method
 

Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. Wash your arugula thoroughly and dry it completely, ideally using a salad spinner. Thinly slice the strawberries and radish. Finely chop the red onion and basil. Thinly slice the jalapeño. Press or mince the garlic.
Whisk Up the Tangy Balsamic Vinaigrette
  1. In a liquid measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, pressed garlic, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until fully blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Marinate the Star Starberries
  1. In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced strawberries with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared balsamic vinaigrette and a portion of the chopped fresh basil. Gently toss to coat. Let the strawberries marinate for at least 10 to 15 minutes while you finish preparing other components.
Layer for a Stunning Strawberry Arugula Salad
  1. On a large serving platter or in a large serving bowl, layer the arugula as the base. Artfully arrange the balsamic-marinated strawberries, followed by the finely chopped red onion, crisp radish slices, and thinly sliced jalapeño. Scatter the crumbled goat cheese (or feta, or diced avocado) and roasted sunflower seeds over the top.
Dress and Serve Freshly
  1. When ready to serve, drizzle the remaining balsamic vinaigrette generously over the layered ingredients. Toss gently to combine. Serve promptly to enjoy the freshest textures and flavors. If anticipating leftovers, store components and dressing separately.

Notes

This vibrant salad combines peppery arugula with sweet, balsamic-marinated strawberries for a unique twist. It's an easy, impressive dish, perfect as a light lunch or side. Prep ahead tips make assembly a breeze.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.