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Fresh Cold Strawberry Salad Recipe with Candied Walnuts and Honey Balsamic Glaze

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A refreshing and easy summer salad featuring juicy strawberries, crunchy candied walnuts, and a tangy honey balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light side dish or a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, spring mix)
  • 1 cup candied walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for candied walnuts)
  • Pinch of salt (for candied walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss 1 cup walnuts with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until glossy and fragrant. Let cool completely.
  2. Make the Honey Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons honey. Simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until thickened and coats the back of a spoon (6-8 minutes). Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then whisk in 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
  3. Prep the Strawberries and Greens: Hull and slice 2 cups fresh strawberries. Place 4 cups mixed salad greens in a large mixing bowl and add the strawberries.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Drizzle half of the honey balsamic glaze over the greens and strawberries. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Add Final Touches: Sprinkle cooled candied walnuts and crumbled goat cheese (if using) over the salad. Drizzle remaining glaze on top. Finish with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  6. Serve Immediately or Chill: Serve right away or refrigerate up to 30 minutes for a colder, crisper salad.

Notes

Let candied walnuts cool completely to maintain crunch. Watch glaze carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh, firm strawberries for best texture. Toss salad just before serving to prevent greens from wilting. For vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and omit cheese or use plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, candied walnuts, honey balsamic glaze, summer salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/fresh-cold-strawberry-salad-recipe-with-candied-walnuts-and-honey-balsamic-glaze-easy-healthy-summer-dish/