Summer Strawberry Salad w/ Cucumber & Arugula

A vibrant and delectable summer salad bursting with flavors and textures - this Arugula Strawberry Salad has a delightful medley of fresh ingredients and tangy dressing that's out of this world! 

this idea!

This summer salad recipe combines the peppery bite of arugula, the natural sweetness of strawberries, crispness of yellow bell pepper and cucumber, the zing of minced red onion, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and the nutty crunch of chopped pecans.

Yes, I believe all of those flavor/texture descriptions are necessary when describing this salad. No one wants a crunchy salad that is lacking flavor.

Plus, the color of this salad is GORGEOUS! I mean, if you want to add blueberries, you will have a rainbow of health staring back at ya! 🙂

Ingredient Tips

1. Arugula: Choose fresh, vibrant baby arugula leaves for the best flavor and texture. Rinse the arugula thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before assembling the salad. Moisture will ruin the salad.
2. Strawberries: Select ripe, sweet strawberries that are firm and free from bruises or mold. Wash the strawberries under cold running water, and then pat them dry with a paper towel before dicing.
3. Yellow Bell Pepper: Yellow is key here for the beautiful pop of color. Look for a firm and brightly colored yellow bell pepper. Remove the seeds and inner membranes before dicing to avoid any bitterness.
4. Cucumber: I highly recommend seedless persian cucumbers or mini cucumbers with a vibrant green color. I like to leave the skin on and these types have skin that is much more palatable unlike other cucumbers.
5. Red Onion: Red (or purple) onions are the only onion I use in a salad. They are slightly more mild then yellow or white onions and their color is 100% more attractive than others.
6. Feta Cheese: Use high-quality feta cheese in BLOCK form. Blocks of feta are almost always more creamy than pre-crumbled feta. Imported from Greece is a bonus!
7. *Pecans: This is optional but recommended. They add a nice crunch to the salad. If you can find, use candied pecans. They are awesome in salads.

The Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

The dressing is what REALLY takes this salad over the top.

It is 100 times better than any dressing I have bought in the store and 100 times healthier too!

It's made with honey, lemon juice, olive oil, dijon, mayo, and poppy seeds. It's delicious.

Substitutes & Variations

• Greens: Try swapping the arugula for baby spinach, mixed greens, or watercress.
• Berries: Mix in some raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Cheese: Goat cheese would be a great alternative if you like it! So good!
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts make for a good swap.
• Protein: Add some grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein!
• Fruits: Diced peaches, nectarines, pears, or apples would be delicious!

When Is Best To Serve This Salad?

You can serve this refreshing arugula salad with strawberries on various occasions and at different meals. Here are some suggestions:

1. Summer Gatherings: The combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients makes this salad perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or picnics.
2. Brunch: It can be a delightful addition to a brunch spread, offering a light and colorful option alongside other dishes.
3. Lunch: Enjoy it as a filling and healthy lunch option on its own or pair it with a cup of soup or a half-sandwich for a well-rounded meal.
4. Dinner Side: Serve it as a side salad to complement grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or pasta dishes during dinner.
5. Potluck: Bring this salad to a potluck or party to impress guests with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
6. Entertaining Guests: This salad is a great choice when entertaining friends or family at home for a casual get-together or a formal dinner.

If it's close to the fall, save this Fall Apple Pecan Salad. It's GREAT for entertaining in the Autumn months.

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📖 Recipe