Summer Strawberry, pecan and Feta Salad

This vibrant salad combines sweet, juicy strawberries with creamy, salty feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and fresh greens, all brought together with a luscious strawberry vinaigrette.

It’s an ideal dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.

Easy Summer Strawberry and Feta Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Let’s dive into this irresistible Summer Strawberry, pecan and Feta Salad—a true burst of freshness and flavor that captures the joy of sunny days.

Juicy sweet strawberries, creamy salty feta, crunchy pecans, vibrant greens, and a silky strawberry vinaigrette come together in a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

The mix of strawberries and blueberries adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while the feta lends a creamy, savory twist.

Bright, antioxidant-rich fruits make this salad not only healthy but also a feast for the eyes.

Serve it as a light starter, a colorful side for barbecues, a brunch favorite, or even packed for a picnic.

Add grilled veggies if you like—it’s endlessly versatile and guaranteed to impress with every bite!

Ingredients for a Flavor-Packed Strawberry Feta Salad

For the Salad:

• Fresh Salad Greens (e.g., mixed greens, spinach, or arugula): Provide a crisp, refreshing base. Use a mix for a variety of textures and mild peppery notes.
• Fresh Strawberries, Hulled and Sliced: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with summer flavor—these are the star ingredient of the salad.
• A Handful of Blueberries (optional): Adds a pop of color and a sweet-tart contrast that complements both the feta and strawberries.
• ½ Block of Feta Cheese, Crumbled: Creamy and salty, this Greek cheese balances the fruit’s sweetness with its tangy flavor.
• A Handful of Pecans, Roughly Chopped: Nutty and crunchy, they bring depth and a satisfying texture to each bite.

For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:

• 5–6 Whole Strawberries: Naturally sweet and colorful, they create a fruity, vibrant base for the dressing.
• ¼ Cup Feta Cheese: Blended into the vinaigrette for creaminess and a hint of salty richness.
• ¼ Cup Pecans: Ground into the vinaigrette to add body, flavor, and a subtle nutty finish.
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil: Smooth and heart-healthy, it brings everything together with a silky texture.
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides acidity that brightens and balances the sweet elements of the dressing.
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar: Enhances the natural fruit flavors and softens the vinegar’s sharpness.
• ½ Teaspoon Dried Basil: A hint of herbal aroma that ties the dressing to the fresh greens.
• ¼ Teaspoon Salt: Boosts overall flavor and rounds out the vinaigrette beautifully.

How to Make Strawberry Feta Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette – Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, refreshing salad that’s bursting with summer flavor:

Preparing the Salad

1. Wash and Dry the Greens : Rinse your mixed greens, spinach, or arugula thoroughly under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Tear into Bite-Sized Pieces : If your greens are large, tear them into smaller pieces for easier serving and eating.
3. Place in a Bowl : Add the prepared greens to a large serving bowl to create your salad base.
4. Prep the Strawberries : Rinse, hull, and slice the strawberries. Their sweetness will be the highlight of the dish.
5. Add the Berries : Scatter the sliced strawberries and optional blueberries over the greens for color and tangy-sweet flavor.
6. Add the Feta : Crumble the feta over the salad. Its saltiness adds a creamy contrast to the fresh fruits.
7. Top with Pecans : Sprinkle the roughly chopped pecans on top for a toasty crunch.

Making the Strawberry Vinaigrette

1. Combine Ingredients : In a blender, add strawberries, feta, pecans, sugar, dried basil, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Blend Until Smooth : Blend the mixture until you get a creamy, uniform texture.
3. Add the Olive Oil : While blending, slowly pour in the olive oil to emulsify the vinaigrette, making it silky and well-blended.
4. Season to Taste : Taste the vinaigrette and add salt if needed. Blend again briefly to mix it in.

Assembling the Salad

1. Dress the Salad : Drizzle the desired amount of strawberry vinaigrette over the salad.
2. Toss Gently : Use salad tongs or clean hands to toss everything together lightly, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients.
3. Serve Immediately : Enjoy this fresh, colorful salad right away for the best flavor and texture!

Tips and Delicious Variations to Customize Your Strawberry Feta Salad

Make this summer salad truly your own with these easy swaps and enhancements!

– Greens

Choose your favorite leafy base—mixed greens offer variety, while spinach gives a slightly sweet, tender bite. For a peppery kick, arugula is perfect. You can also try butter lettuce for a soft texture or romaine for extra crunch.

– Fruit Alternatives

No strawberries on hand? No problem!

• Watermelon and peaches bring a juicy, summery twist.
• Raspberries and cherries add a sweet-tart depth.
• Apples and pears provide crispness and crunch.
• Mangoes or nectarines add tropical sweetness.
  Mix and match for a colorful fruit medley!

– Cheese Options

Not a fan of feta? Try:

• Goat cheese for a creamier, tangier flavor.
• Gorgonzola or a mild blue cheese for bold, savory notes.
• Ricotta salata or crumbled queso fresco for milder alternatives.
  Each cheese changes the vibe of the salad while keeping it irresistible.

– Nut Substitutes

Pecans add a warm, buttery crunch, but you can easily switch them up:

• Toasted almonds for a nutty, crisp texture.
• Walnuts for a richer, earthy flavor.
• Hazelnuts for a more gourmet touch.
  Toast your nuts to enhance flavor and crunch!

– Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Take your salad to the next level with some of these additions:

• Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a savory, smoky touch.
• Avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
• Quinoa or couscous for a heartier, protein-packed salad.
• Fresh herbs like mint or basil to brighten the entire dish.

Other recipes to try

• Potato and egg salad
• French Lentil and tuna Salad
• Pasta Salad with Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes & Mozzarella