Whether it be for lunch, a brunch, or even dinner. A beautiful colorful salad can make a statement on any table. Here’s a quick, bright, and fresh arugula salad with strawberries and feta. I love adding sweet fruit to the peppery flavor of arugula. The feta adds salty goodness, and the pine nuts, give it a rich texture. In general, I pair it with a poppy seed dressing.
There’s really nothing to this salad. Toast your pine nuts ahead of time, in order for them to have time to cool. If you don’t have pine nuts. Have no fear! In reality, you can easily substitute for slivered almonds or crushed walnuts. In the same way, I would toast those as well to let out their nutty goodness. Next, just toss your arugula in your nicest bowl. Afterward, add some sliced strawberries, followed by some crumbled feta, and your toasted nuts. You’re now ready for the dressing.
Next, on to the dressing. My secret to making any oil based dressing…wait for it…is mayonnaise. In truth, for most of my life I refused to eat it. I think it was only after my first baby, 10 years ago, that I tried it! Can you believe it? It really does make a great addition to a dressing. I use apple cider vinegar in this dressing to play off the fruit. If you don’t love poppyseeds, in this case, you could always omit them. So once again, not much to it, just whisk all your ingredients together, and you’re ready to dress those greens.
Arugula Salad with Strawberries and Feta.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 c. Arugula
- 1 handfull Strawberries
- 1 cubic inch Greek Feta
- 2 Tbsp. Pine Nuts
Poppy Seed Dressing
- 2 tsp. Honey
- 1 1/2 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp. Mayonaise
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp. Canola Oil
- 1 tsp. Poppy Seeds
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast pine nuts in a pan at low heat till fragrant and golden.
- Place arugula in a bowl. Slice strawberries and add to bowl.
- Crumble the feta and sprinkle it on top of the salad. Add the toasted nuts.
- Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing till smooth.
- Drizzle dressing atop the salad.
- Enjoy!
In conclusion, this arugula salad with strawberries and feta is the perfect addition to your Mother’s day brunch. Or any other brunch for that matter. Bringing the taste of summer into your kitchen, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. By all means, don’t be afraid to experiment with different nuts and berries. Let the arugula be your canvas! Hope you enjoy this recipe.
Elisa
