Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Forever (In My Bowl!)

Hey! Do you ever just crave a salad that feels like a party in your mouth? Like, one that’s fresh and crunchy but also totally decadent? Yeah, that’s this Strawberry Fields Salad! 🍓🥗

Okay, so… let’s talk about how beautiful this salad is—and messy. I mean, you’re gonna want to take a million pics before you dive in. The strawberries are bright red and juicy, and the feta adds that perfect salty thing. I once tried to take a “fancy” picture of it, and right as I was about to snap, my dog jumped up and knocked the bowl! (Spoiler: it did NOT end well for the salad.) 😂 Anyway, I totally still got a shot with a bit of the greens flying off to the side. Candid, right?

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

So, picture this: I’m in the grocery store, and I’m basically on a scavenger hunt for all the goodies. You need a 5-ounce package of mixed greens (grab whatever looks freshest), 2 cups of those luscious sliced strawberries (seriously, if they’re not juicy, keep looking), half a red onion, and don’t forget the dried cranberries!

Now, feta cheese is a must, but you can get creative! I usually go for about 1/2 cup of crumbles. Then there’s turkey bacon—just 4 slices, cooked nice and crispy. And for the protein kick, you gotta have 2 grilled chicken breasts sliced up. Oh! And glazed pecans (you can snag those pre-made if you’re feeling lazy, but trust me, they’re way better homemade), plus some apple cider vinegar for the dressing, honey, Dijon mustard, and of course, a good splash of olive oil.

You with me?

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, let me spill the tea. This salad is like my go-to for literally everything—summer BBQs, cozy dinners, or whenever I need a little “I love you” to myself (self-care, right?). The first time I made it was during a totally chaotic family gathering. I was like, “Let’s impress everyone with a salad…” because, you know, I’m fancy like that. Spoiler alert: it was a hit! Everyone asked for the recipe, and I felt like a rockstar.

Plus, those strawberries? They remind me of summer days at my grandma’s house, picking fresh fruit from her garden. Just pure nostalgia. 💖

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Okay, here’s the magic—when you’re making the dressing, whisk it all together first (but hold off on the oil). Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking. It’s like a dance, and trust me, it makes the dressing super creamy and delish!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Don’t skimp on the strawberries. The fresher, the better. Seriously.
2. Taste as you go! I always end up adjusting the honey or vinegar based on how sweet or tart the strawberries are.
3. That crispy turkey bacon? Make it extra crispy! It adds that crunch we all need.
4. And for the love of all that’s delicious, don’t forget the glazed pecans! They’re the secret weapon.

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, if you somehow have leftovers (which is rare), keep the dressing separate so the greens don’t get all soggy. Store it all in airtight containers in the fridge. I usually get a couple of days out of it, but let’s be real—this salad is gone in a flash around here!

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

Okay, if you’re vibing with this salad, you’ll probably dig my Spicy Chickpea Tacos or that Caprese Pasta Salad that’s just singing with basil. Oh, and have you tried my Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad? Absolute game changer!

So… what’s your go-to summer dish? I need new ideas for my next chaotic cooking adventure! 🥳🍽️