Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with the flavors of summer. Juicy strawberries and zesty clementines create a delightful medley that dances on your palate, while the red wine vinegar dressing adds a tangy twist that keeps you coming back for more.
Imagine biting into this colorful salad at a sunny picnic or a festive gathering. The sweet aroma of fresh fruit mingles with the tangy dressing, promising an explosion of taste that will elevate any occasion. Whether you’re impressing guests at a dinner party or simply treating yourself on a Tuesday, this salad is sure to steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
- This incredible Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
I remember the first time I made this salad for my family’s backyard barbecue. My cousin took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which led to an impromptu taste test of everything else I had prepared.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for their sweetness and vibrant color; they’ll be the star of your salad.
- Clementines: Opt for juicy clementines as they add a delightful citrus punch without overwhelming tartness.
- Mixed Greens: A mix of baby spinach and arugula provides a peppery contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives an aromatic crunch; soak them in water first to mellow their flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a savory touch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This tangy ingredient is crucial; it brightens up the flavors without overpowering them.
- Olive Oil: Use quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it enhances the dressing’s overall taste.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey rounds out the dressing with natural sweetness; adjust to your preference.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors in your salad; don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and dry strawberries before hulling them. Peel clementines and separate into segments. Slice red onion thinly and set aside.
Create Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Toss Your Greens Together: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens with sliced red onion. Lightly toss to distribute evenly before adding fruits.
Add Fruits and Cheese: Gently fold in strawberry slices and clementine segments along with crumbled feta cheese. Be careful not to mash the fruits.
Dress Your Salad: Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad mixture while gently tossing it all together until everything is coated evenly.
Serve Immediately: Transfer your beautiful salad onto a serving platter or individual bowls. Enjoy right away to savor freshness!
This Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing isn’t just food—it’s an experience. It captures sunlit days and joyful gatherings in every colorful bite!
You Must Know About Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
- This showstopping Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing and slicing the strawberries and clementines, then prepare the dressing while letting the fruits marinate. Assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out clementines for oranges or add nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of feta cheese can elevate the flavor profile wonderfully too.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but avoid adding dressing until ready to serve to keep it fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
- This professional-quality Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
Sharing this salad recipe always brings back memories of a summer picnic where friends couldn’t stop raving about its refreshing flavors, making me feel like a culinary superstar.
FAQ
What makes this Strawberry Clementine Salad unique?
This Strawberry Clementine Salad stands out due to its vibrant combination of sweet fruits paired with a tangy red wine vinegar dressing. The dressing enhances the natural sweetness while providing a complex flavor profile that keeps your taste buds dancing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Prepare all ingredients in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for no more than two days for optimal freshness.
What are some good additions to this salad?
Consider adding chopped mint or basil leaves for an aromatic twist, or toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts for added texture and crunch. A bit of crumbled goat cheese also works wonders!
How do I choose ripe strawberries and clementines?
Look for strawberries that are bright red without any white spots or mushy areas; they should smell sweet as you pick them up. For clementines, choose those that feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin—they should be juicy and packed with flavor.
Conclusion for Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
This delightful Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for both the eyes and palate. With its bright colors, tantalizing flavors, and refreshing crunch, it’s sure to become a staple at your dining table—perfect for any occasion! So go ahead, whip it up, share it with friends, and bask in all those compliments coming your way!
Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
- Total Time: 13 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this Strawberry Clementine Salad. Bursting with juicy strawberries and zesty clementines, this refreshing dish is elevated by a tangy red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for picnics or dinner parties, its colorful presentation and delightful taste will impress your guests and brighten any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups clementines, peeled and segmented
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the strawberries, hulling them, peeling the clementines, and slicing the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large salad bowl, toss together mixed greens and sliced red onion.
- Gently fold in strawberry slices and clementine segments along with crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 250g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating toasted almonds or walnuts. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can enhance the flavor profile beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days; keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
