Spring Strawberry & Basil Salad Recipe (Fresh Seasonal Bowl)
🍓 This spring salad brought our dinner table to life! Fresh strawberries, fragrant basil, and peppery arugula come together with a bright lemon vinaigrette. The sweet berries balance the herbaceous basil perfectly, and it feels light yet satisfying. Spring produce never tasted this vibrant.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Strawberries 2 cups
- Arugula 4 cups
- Fresh basil leaves 0.5 cup
- Goat cheese 0.25 cup
- Pistachios (shelled, chopped) 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
- Extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) 1.5 tbsp
- Honey 1 tsp
- Kosher salt 0.25 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
11 g
34%
Protein
3 g
9%
Fat
8 g
57%
Cooking steps
-
1
Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into thin rounds or quarters for even bite-sized pieces.
-
2
In a large salad bowl, toss together the arugula and torn fresh basil leaves to evenly distribute the herbs.
-
3
In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
-
4
Add the sliced strawberries to the greens, drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad, and gently toss to coat all the ingredients lightly and evenly.
-
5
Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese and chopped pistachios just before serving to preserve texture, and serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.
Personalized Q&A
Q. What makes this Spring Strawberry & Basil Salad so perfect for spring?
This salad highlights peak spring produce with sweet strawberries, tender basil, and peppery arugula. The vibrant flavors and freshness truly showcase what makes spring salads feel so light and lively.
Q. Is this an easy recipe for beginners? How long does it take?
Absolutely! This salad is very beginner-friendly, requiring just 15 minutes and basic salad prep—washing, slicing, whisking the vinaigrette, and assembling. No cooking involved.
Q. Can I customize or substitute any ingredients?
Yes, you can swap arugula for baby spinach, use almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios, or omit the goat cheese for a dairy-free option. For a vegan salad, use maple syrup in place of honey.
Q. How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains about 130 kcal, making it a light and nutritious side or starter.
Q. Can I make this salad ahead of time, and how should I store it?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep components up to a day in advance. Store the greens and strawberries separately from the dressing and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge, and combine just before serving to keep everything crisp.
