Print

Fresh Arugula Salad with Strawberries Easy Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe

fresh arugula salad with strawberries - featured image

A quick and easy salad combining peppery arugula, juicy strawberries, and a sweet tangy balsamic glaze, perfect for any occasion and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh arugula (about 150 grams), washed and dried
  • 1 pint strawberries (about 300 grams), hulled and sliced
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese or feta (about 60 grams), crumbled
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts (sliced almonds or chopped pecans, about 30 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry arugula leaves thoroughly to keep salad crisp (about 5 minutes).
  2. Hull and slice strawberries into halves or quarters (about 5 minutes).
  3. Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden (3-5 minutes). Remove and cool (about 5 minutes).
  4. Optional: Make balsamic glaze by simmering 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until reduced by half and syrupy (10-15 minutes). Let cool.
  5. In a large bowl, combine arugula and sliced strawberries. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Add honey or maple syrup if glaze is not sweet enough. Toss gently to coat (about 3 minutes).
  6. Sprinkle crumbled cheese and toasted nuts over the salad. Toss gently again to distribute toppings (about 2 minutes).
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1 minute).
  8. Serve immediately to enjoy crisp leaves and vibrant strawberries.

Notes

Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to avoid soggy greens. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Adjust sweetness of balsamic glaze with honey or maple syrup as needed. Use fresh, firm strawberries for best texture. For dairy-free, omit cheese or substitute with avocado slices or plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: arugula salad, strawberry salad, balsamic glaze, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad