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Fresh Romantic Summer Picnic Salad for Two

romantic summer picnic salad for two - featured image
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A light, fresh, and flavorful salad perfect for romantic summer picnics, combining mixed greens, fresh strawberries, cucumber, feta cheese, toasted nuts, and a homemade citrus vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby arugula, spinach, butter lettuce)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).
  2. Toast the nuts: Place 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until fragrant and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. Wash and prep produce: Rinse 4 cups mixed greens and spin dry or pat dry. Hull and slice 1 cup strawberries, thinly slice 1/2 cucumber and 1/4 small red onion. Tear a handful of fresh basil leaves (about 10 minutes).
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, strawberries, cucumber slices, red onion, and basil. Crumble 1/2 cup feta cheese over the top. Add the toasted nuts last to keep their crunch.
  5. Toss gently: Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss gently but thoroughly to coat without bruising the greens. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh to keep textures vibrant. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Toast nuts carefully over medium heat to avoid burning. Prepare dressing first and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to meld flavors. Toss salad just before serving to keep greens crisp. For vegan option, omit feta and use maple syrup instead of honey. Substitute nuts with seeds for nut-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer salad, picnic salad, romantic salad, fresh salad, strawberry salad, feta salad, easy salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/fresh-romantic-summer-picnic-salad-for-two-easy-homemade-recipe-for-perfect-date/