Healthy Veggie Salad
This post may contain affiliate links.
Read our Disclaimer.
Leave a Comment ★★★★★
Healthy Veggie Salad
This strawberry leek salad brings together sweet summer berries and savory leeks in a vibrant, fresh salad recipe that’s ready in just 15 minutes. The simple honey-balsamic dressing perfectly balances the flavors while the feta and walnuts add delightful texture. It’s the perfect healthy summer salad for warm weather gatherings or a quick vegetarian lunch.
I discovered this combination during a spring market visit in Provence, where vendors paired early strawberries with young leeks. The marriage of sweet and savory instantly captivated me, and I’ve been perfecting this strawberry and leek pairing ever since. It reminds me of leisurely lunches enjoyed with a glass of rosé and good company, particularly when served alongside my Greek feta salad or before a comforting bowl of potato leek soup. The dressing’s honey notes also complement desserts like my strawberry icebox cake beautifully.
What Makes This Salad Special
- Fresh Ingredients Shine: Sweet strawberries and savory leeks create a perfect flavor balance.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- Versatile Serving Options: Works as a side dish or light main course.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh produce.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Strawberry Leek Salad
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Salad Components
- Leeks: Use only white and light green parts for mild flavor.
- Strawberries: Choose ripe but firm berries for best texture.
- Mixed greens: Any blend works, but tender baby greens are ideal.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled quality feta adds creamy saltiness.
- Walnuts: Toasting them first enhances their nutty flavor.
Dressing Ingredients
- Olive oil: Extra virgin provides the best fruity notes.
- Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic offers deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Honey: Balances the vinegar’s acidity naturally.
- Salt and pepper: Freshly ground pepper makes a difference.
Strawberry Leek Salad
Try this refreshing strawberry leek salad with mixed greens, feta, and walnuts. Ready in 15 minutes with a sweet balsamic dressing – perfect for summer meals.
Equipment
- small bowl
- whisk
- medium bowl
- large salad bowl
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup thinly sliced leeks white and light green parts only
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Place the thinly sliced leeks in a medium bowl and pour half of the dressing over them, tossing gently to coat. This step helps to soften the leeks’ sharpness.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and marinated leeks, tossing gently with clean hands or salad tongs.
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss again until all ingredients are lightly and evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts over the top of the salad just before serving to maintain their texture.
Notes
Add mozzarella or feta for a cheesy twist. Let dough rise in a warm oven (off) for faster proofing.
Ways to Customize This Salad
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Cheese Variations: Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta.
- Nut Alternatives: Toasted almonds or pecans work beautifully with strawberries.
Essential Tips for Perfect Results
- Leeks Preparation: Slice leeks thinly and rinse thoroughly to remove grit.
- Marinating Time: Let leeks sit in dressing for at least 10 minutes to soften.
- Strawberry Texture: Slice berries just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Dressing Consistency: Whisk dressing vigorously until fully emulsified for even coating.
How to Keep Your Salad Fresh
- Store: Keep undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Dressing Separate: Store dressing in a jar for up to 1 week.
- Assemble Fresh: Combine components just before serving for best texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep leeks and dressing a day ahead to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make strawberry leek salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components separately up to 2 days ahead. Keep dressing and dry ingredients separate until serving time. The leeks actually benefit from marinating in the dressing for several hours.
What can I substitute for leeks in this salad?
Thinly sliced sweet onions or scallions work well as substitutes. If using regular onions, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes first to reduce sharpness. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I clean leeks properly for salad?
After slicing, place leeks in a bowl of cold water and swish them around. Let the grit settle, then lift leeks out with your hands. Repeat if necessary until no sediment remains in the water.
Is strawberry leek salad served cold or room temperature?
This salad is best served chilled or at cool room temperature. I recommend refrigerating the components before assembling, especially during warmer months. The contrast of cool crispness enhances the fresh flavors.
Other Favorite Salad Recipes
Why This Strawberry Leek Salad Is A Favorite
With its perfect balance of sweet strawberries and savory leeks, this fresh salad recipe delivers surprising complexity from simple ingredients. The easy salad dressing comes together in minutes yet tastes sophisticated enough for special occasions. It’s the kind of healthy summer salad that will become a regular in your rotation once you experience how beautifully these flavors complement each other.
