Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with Basil Strawberry Dressing

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors of a homemade Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad. This isn’t just any salad—it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty in a bowl. Picture this: tender spring mix cradles juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, all dressed in a sweet-tangy strawberry basil vinaigrette that will make your taste buds dance.

What makes this Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad special is the perfect balance between sweet and savory elements. The bright pop of fresh strawberries against the peppery greens creates a mouthwatering contrast that elevates this from a simple side to a memorable meal. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering or looking for a healthy yet satisfying lunch option, this recipe delivers both nutrition and incredible flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad

• ✅ Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for quick healthy Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad lunches
• ✅ Fresh Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with balsamic vinaigrette alternative that’s homemade and preservative-free
• ✅ Versatile Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with goat cheese option for added creaminess
• ✅ Nutritious healthy Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with walnuts variation packed with omega-3 fatty acids
• ✅ Perfect make-ahead homemade Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad for picnics and outdoor gatherings
• ✅ Customizable vegetarian Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad base that works beautifully with added protein

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

• 4 cups spring mix greens, loosely packed
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 green apple, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

For the Strawberry Basil Dressing

• 1 cup strawberries, diced
• 6 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of unrefined sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese (for Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with feta cheese)
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts (for healthy Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with walnuts)
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• Grilled chicken breast (for Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with grilled chicken recipe)

How to Make Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad – Step by Step

Preparing the Dressing

Step 1: Place the diced strawberries, basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.

Step 2: Pulse until smooth and well combined, about 30-45 seconds. For a chunkier dressing, pulse just a few times.

Step 3: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Add more maple syrup for sweetness or lemon juice for acidity.

Step 4: Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate while preparing the salad. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Salad

Step 5: 

In a large salad bowl, arrange the spring mix greens as the base layer.

Step 6: 

Add the cucumber slices, diced green apple, and sliced avocado on top of the greens.

Step 7: 

Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the salad.

Step 8: 

If using optional add-ins like cheese, nuts, quinoa, or grilled chicken, add them now.

Step 9:

 Just before serving, drizzle the strawberry basil dressing over the salad. Start with about half the dressing, then add more to taste.

Step 10: Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating with the dressing.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad

• Choose ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavor in your Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad. Overripe berries can make the dressing too watery.
• Massage your greens with a tiny bit of olive oil and salt to soften them and enhance their flavor before adding other ingredients.
• Toast the nuts in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Slice the avocado last and toss it gently to prevent browning and maintain its shape in the salad.
• For meal prep: Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
• Make it a complete meal: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to create a protein-rich Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with grilled chicken recipe variation.
• Create your own citrus twist: Substitute orange juice for lemon juice to make a delicious Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with citrus dressing.

Best Ways to Serve

This versatile Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad works beautifully as both a side dish and a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete, nutrient-dense meal
• Pair with a crusty whole grain bread for a satisfying lunch
• Bring to summer potlucks or picnics (keep dressing separate until serving)
• Serve in individual portions as an elegant starter for dinner parties
• Create a salad bar with various toppings to let everyone customize their own Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad

For an impressive meal, pair this salad with our Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon and Roasted Garlic Quinoa for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (¼ of recipe, without optional add-ins):

• Calories: 215 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 18g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 7g (naturally occurring)
• Vitamin C: 45% of RDI
• Vitamin K: 80% of RDI
• Folate: 30% of RDI

This healthy Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad with walnuts variation is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that support immune function and overall wellness.

Storage & Leftovers

For the best Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad experience, follow these storage guidelines:

• Dressed salad: Best consumed immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, though greens will wilt.
• Undressed salad components: Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Dressing: Keeps well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
• Avocado tip: To prevent browning, squeeze lemon juice on avocado slices if storing separately.

Pro tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, only dress the portion you’ll eat immediately and store the remaining components separately.

Frequently Asked Questions about 

What are the health benefits of eating Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad?

This Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad is a nutritional powerhouse, providing antioxidants from strawberries, healthy fats from avocado and almonds, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the mixed greens. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, while avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The greens offer vitamin K, iron, and folate, making this salad excellent for immune support, skin health, and overall wellness.

Can I add other fruits to my Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad?

Absolutely! This Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad is incredibly versatile. Try adding blueberries, mandarin oranges, peaches, or pears depending on the season. These fruits pair beautifully with the existing flavors while adding their own nutritional benefits. For a tropical twist, add mango or kiwi slices.

What dressing goes well with Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad?

While this recipe includes a delicious homemade strawberry basil dressing, other great options for Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad include balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, champagne vinaigrette, or a light lemon dressing. For a creamier option, try a creamy Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad dressing option by blending the strawberry dressing with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.

How do I store leftover Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad?

For best results, store the components separately. Keep the greens with a paper towel in an airtight container to absorb moisture. Store the dressing separately in a sealed jar. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables should be in their own containers. Assemble just before eating. If already dressed, consume within 24 hours as the greens will wilt.

Conclusion

This vibrant Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad brings together the best of summer flavors in one beautiful bowl. From the sweet juiciness of fresh strawberries to the creamy richness of avocado and the satisfying crunch of almonds, every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The homemade strawberry basil dressing takes this dish to another level, providing a fresh, tangy complement to the salad’s ingredients.

Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or the base for a protein-packed meal, this versatile Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The best part? It’s as nutritious as it is delicious, making it a dish you can feel good about enjoying regularly.

Have you tried making this Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad? Let us know your favorite variations in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family looking for fresh, healthy meal ideas.

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