Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh strawberries with savory ingredients to create a vibrant salad. This recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal. The unique combination of juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy glazed pecans makes this salad truly stand out. Enjoy it during springtime gatherings or warm summer evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The mix of sweet strawberries and tangy dressing creates a delicious taste profile that excites the palate.
• Easy to Prepare: With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: This salad can be served as a main dish or a side, making it suitable for various meals and occasions.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from pecans, it’s nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Strawberry Fields Salad, you’ll need some essential tools for smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without mess.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps achieve a smooth and blended dressing quickly.
• Baking sheet: A baking sheet is essential for even roasting of the glazed pecans.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of ingredients like strawberries and onions.

Ingredients

Strawberry Fields Salad with juicy fresh strawberries, feta cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, Turkey Bacon, grilled chicken, glazed pecans, and a sweet and tangy dressing is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:
– 1 (5-ounce) package mixed greens
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1/2 red onion, (thinly sliced)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/2 cup glazed pecans, (recipe below)
– 4 slices Turkey Bacon, (cooked and crumbled)
– 2 grilled chicken breasts, (sliced)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons white sugar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– salt and pepper to taste
– 3/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil

For Glazed Pecans

• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Fields Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

To create the dressing for your Strawberry Fields Salad:
1. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, white sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Gradually add olive oil while whisking continuously until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Glazed Pecans

For the glazed pecans:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a boil.
3. Add pecans to the mixture and stir for about 30 seconds to coat them evenly.
4. Transfer the coated pecans to a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake in the oven for about 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Now it’s time to bring everything together:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onion, dried cranberries, feta cheese, sliced grilled chicken breasts, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and glazed pecans.
2. Toss gently until all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Finally:
1. Drizzle your desired amount of dressing over the salad.
2. Toss again gently so that everything is coated evenly before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Fields Salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will make your salad shine.

For a Light Lunch

• Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls for a personal touch. This is perfect for lunch gatherings.
• Wrap It Up: Use the salad as a filling in a tortilla wrap for an easy-to-eat option.

As a Side Dish

• With Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken or steak to complement the flavors. The sweetness of strawberries balances savory meats beautifully.
• At Potlucks: Bring this salad to potlucks as a refreshing side that everyone will love.

For Special Occasions

• Garnished Plates: Arrange the salad artistically on plates, garnished with extra strawberries and pecans for an elegant presentation.
• Buffet Style: Set up a buffet with large bowls where guests can serve themselves, allowing them to customize their portions.

How to Perfect Strawberry Fields Salad

To create the best Strawberry Fields Salad, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish even further.

• Bold Ingredients: Choose ripe and juicy strawberries for maximum flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
• Balanced Dressing: Adjust the dressing to taste. You can add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess based on preference.
• Texture Matters: Include crunchy elements like glazed pecans and crispy Turkey Bacon to contrast with the softness of the greens and cheese.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad before serving. Chilling enhances flavors and makes it more refreshing.
• Season Well: Don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper just before serving, as this brings all flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Fields Salad

Serving Strawberry Fields Salad alongside complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread adds richness that pairs well with the fresh salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf offers protein and fiber, making your meal heartier without overwhelming flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth, providing a contrast to the coolness of the salad.
4. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter keeps things vibrant and fresh while echoing the strawberry theme.
5. Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses can complement both the sweet and savory aspects of the salad beautifully.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a crowd-pleaser, adding crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft textures in your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Strawberry Fields Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can ruin the salad’s flavor. Always opt for fresh strawberries and greens for the best taste.

• Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.

• Not Balancing Flavors: Forgetting to balance sweet and savory elements can lead to a one-dimensional taste. Ensure you include both sweet strawberries and savory feta cheese for a well-rounded flavor profile.

• Improperly Cooking Turkey Bacon: Undercooking or overcooking Turkey Bacon can affect its texture. Cook until crispy, but not burnt, for the best results in your salad.

• Ignoring Texture Variety: A lack of texture can make the salad less appealing. Include crunchy glazed pecans and crisp greens to enhance the overall mouthfeel.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Strawberry Fields Salad in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep dressing separate from the salad to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Fields Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to fresh ingredients that do not thaw well.
• If you must freeze components, consider freezing only cooked chicken or pecans separately.

Reheating Strawberry Fields Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat chicken or Turkey Bacon on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm chicken or bacon until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Strawberry Fields Salad?

Yes! You can add other fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts for extra crunch and flavor variation.

How do I make a vegetarian version of Strawberry Fields Salad?

Simply omit the grilled chicken and Turkey Bacon, and consider adding chickpeas or tofu for protein instead.

What dressings pair well with Strawberry Fields Salad?

While this recipe includes a sweet dressing, balsamic vinaigrette also complements the flavors beautifully if you’re looking for something different.

How can I store leftover dressing?

Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using again.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Fields Salad is a delightful mix of flavors that works perfectly for spring or summer meals. With its vibrant ingredients and customizable options, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to try different fruits or proteins to make it your own!