Crunchy Strawberry Romaine Feta Salad (Printer-friendly)
Crisp romaine tossed with fresh strawberries, tangy feta, and toasted almonds in balsamic dressing.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
02 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
04 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
06 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (optional)
→ Balsamic Vinaigrette
07 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon honey
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How-To Guide:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, sliced strawberries, red onion, cucumber (if using), and half the toasted almonds.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
03 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently with tongs to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Top with crumbled feta and remaining toasted almonds. Serve immediately for optimal texture and freshness.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in literally 15 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant that takes reservations three weeks out
- The way the salty feta plays against sweet strawberries is the kind of flavor combination that makes people pause and ask whats in this
02 -
- Dress this salad right before serving or the lettuce will start to wilt and lose that gorgeous crunch that makes it special
- The almonds really need to be freshly toasted, I've tried skipping this step and the salad just doesn't sing the same way
03 -
- Buy the strawberries at a farmers market during peak season and you'll understand why this salad exists in the first place
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons of red onion instead of slicing them for a more elegant presentation