Looking for a refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory? Dive into our delightful Spring Salad with Strawberries and Bacon! This vibrant salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing explosion of flavors in every bite. With crispy bacon, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a bright, seasonal salad. Ready to impress your guests or elevate your lunch game? Let’s get started on this easy yet sophisticated dish that takes just 20 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon by cooking in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Thoroughly wash the mixed greens under cold running water. Gently pat dry using clean paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse the fresh strawberries and pat them dry. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin, uniform pieces using a sharp knife.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the salad.
- Sprinkle the sliced strawberries evenly across the greens, distributing them throughout the salad.
- Add the crumbled bacon pieces over the strawberries, ensuring a balanced distribution.
- Crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad, adding a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring an even coating of the dressing.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring each component is well-mixed and coated with dressing.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp greens and fresh ingredients at their peak flavor and texture.
Tips
- Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's perfectly crispy. This adds a satisfying crunch to your salad.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries and crisp mixed greens. The quality of your ingredients makes a significant difference in taste.
- Mix and Match: Feel free to customize the salad by adding other seasonal fruits or nuts, such as blueberries or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
- Chill Your Greens: For an extra refreshing salad, chill your mixed greens in the refrigerator before assembling the salad. This enhances the crispness.
- Dress to Impress: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens fresh and prevent wilting.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. A little taste test can elevate the overall flavor profile!
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after tossing to ensure all the ingredients retain their delightful textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
