Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe
If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with color and flavor, this Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances the juicy sweetness of strawberries and cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and avocado, all elevated by the deep, tangy richness of a homemade balsamic reduction. Each bite delivers a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes that feel bright and refreshing, yet satisfyingly indulgent, making it ideal for a light lunch or a stunning side dish for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet powerful—they come together effortlessly to create a mix of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements that make this salad truly special. Every component plays a crucial role in bringing vibrant colors and harmonizing flavors to your plate.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: Reduced into a thick syrup to add a sweet and tangy glaze.
- 1 cup sliced strawberries: Provides juicy sweetness and a pop of bright color.
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes: Adds a fresh, slightly acidic bite for balance.
- 1 cup halved mini mozzarella balls: Offers creamy texture and mild flavor to bind the salad.
- 1 ripe avocado (pitted and diced): Brings a buttery softness that complements the fruits perfectly.
- ⅓ cup pecans (toasted): Adds crunch and a nutty depth that contrasts beautifully with the softness.
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (torn): Infuses an aromatic freshness that lifts all the flavors.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For drizzling, providing smooth richness and enhancing the salad’s flavor.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients into balance.
How to Make Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Reduction
Start by pouring the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bringing it to a lively simmer over medium heat. This step concentrates the vinegar’s flavors, transforming it into a luscious syrup. Stir occasionally and then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to gently bubble until it thickens and reduces by about half, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Once reduced, set it aside to cool; this velvety glaze will tie the salad together brilliantly.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
While the balsamic reduces, prep your fresh ingredients. Slice the strawberries, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, dice the ripe avocado, and toast the pecans lightly to unlock their flavor. Place all these colorful, vibrant ingredients into a large shallow bowl or on a serving platter. Scatter the torn basil leaves over the top to infuse the salad with a fragrant herbal note.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Gently drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the salad components, then season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything carefully to combine, taking care not to bruise the delicate fruit and avocado. Finally, drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad, letting its glossy ribbons highlight the freshness of the ingredients and add a rich, tangy layer of flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even further, consider sprinkling some crumbled goat cheese or feta for an extra tangy dimension. A few microgreens or edible flowers make for a stunning visual touch and contribute a subtle freshness that pairs beautifully with the existing ingredients.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a bright and refreshing counterpoint to savory mains. It’s equally delightful alongside crusty bread or as part of a picnic spread, balancing heavier dishes with its crisp, light qualities.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dazzling presentation, serve the salad layered in a clear glass bowl so the colorful ingredients show through. Alternatively, assemble individual portions on small plates, drizzling the balsamic reduction artistically around the edges. Adding a few whole strawberries or basil sprigs on top turns it into a true centerpiece at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad un-dressed in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to one day. Add the dressing and toss just before serving to maintain the avocado’s texture and the berries’ freshness.
Freezing
This Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The avocado and fresh berries lose their texture and flavor upon thawing, which would affect the overall experience.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. The balsamic reduction can be gently warmed if needed, but the salad itself tastes best when freshly tossed and chilled.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought balsamic glaze can save you time and still add great flavor, but making your own reduction allows you to control the sweetness and thickness just perfectly.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
Toasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nuttiness without the risk for nut allergies. Crispy chickpeas also make a fun and tasty alternative.
How do I keep the avocado from browning in this salad?
Using ripe but firm avocado and tossing it right before serving helps minimize browning. Adding the salad dressing last and gently mixing also reduces exposure to air.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
This particular recipe includes mozzarella, which is not vegan; however, swapping it for a plant-based cheese or omitting it altogether makes the salad fully vegan without sacrificing deliciousness.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time but wait to combine the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe is going to become one of your favorite go-to salads as soon as you try it. It’s effortlessly elegant, bursting with fresh flavors and textures, and wonderfully versatile for any occasion. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new signature dish!
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Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Salad with Balsamic reduction that combines sweet strawberries, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, ripe avocado, toasted pecans, and fresh basil, all brought together with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal or an elegant side dish.
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Reduction
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
For the Salad
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup halved mini mozzarella balls
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
- ⅓ cup pecans, toasted
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a high simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently until the vinegar has thickened and reduced by half, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a shallow bowl or platter, combine the sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mini mozzarella balls, diced avocado, toasted pecans, and torn fresh basil leaves.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the salad ingredients with extra-virgin olive oil. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients to combine evenly without breaking the avocado.
- Serve with Balsamic Drizzle: Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad just before serving to add a tangy sweetness that complements the fresh flavors beautifully.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushy texture.
- You can prepare the balsamic reduction ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the texture of the avocado and freshness of the greens.
- For a vegan option, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese or omit it altogether.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
