Can I make this strawberry salad ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead — slice the strawberries, chop the cucumber, crumble the cheese, and blend the dressing. Store everything separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss together right before serving so the lettuce stays crisp.

What cheese goes best with strawberry salad?

Gorgonzola is my personal favorite — the salty, tangy bite pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries. But feta, goat cheese, and blue cheese are all delicious alternatives. Choose whatever you love most!

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! A classic balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, or even a simple lemon vinaigrette would work. But I really encourage you to try this strawberry balsamic version — the strawberry jelly is a game changer.

How do I make this salad a full meal?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon on top. You could also toss in some cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling. It's a perfect light dinner or lunch.

Strawberry Salad Recipe with Homemade Balsamic Dressing

Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 oz mixed lettuce greens; 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 large cucumber, chopped; 4 oz crumbled gorgonzola cheese; 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted; 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons strawberry jelly; 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Fresh strawberry salad with gorgonzola, cucumber, toasted almonds, and homemade strawberry balsamic dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

5 oz mixed lettuce greens

1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced

1 large cucumber, chopped

4 oz crumbled gorgonzola cheese

1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:

2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons strawberry jelly

2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Add chopped shallots, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, strawberry jelly, fresh orange juice, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and emulsified, about 20 seconds. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Slice strawberries into thin rounds or quarters. Chop cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Add mixed lettuce greens to a large salad serving bowl. Top with sliced strawberries, chopped cucumber, crumbled gorgonzola, and toasted slivered almonds.
Drizzle the strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store dressing separately in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Prep all ingredients ahead and store separately for up to 2 days. Toss together right before serving so the lettuce stays crisp. Swap gorgonzola for feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a full meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American