How to Master Seasonal Salad Assembly

Dressing Emulsification

Precise whisking technique creating stable oil-in-vinegar suspension. This critical step ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the salad rather than having separate oil and vinegar components that would unevenly coat ingredients.

Ingredient Preparation

Strategic cutting methods preserving optimal texture and visual appeal. Uniformly quartered strawberries ensure consistent flavor distribution while properly sliced onions provide aromatic notes without overwhelming the palate.

Component Layering

Thoughtful arrangement enhancing both presentation and eating experience. Building the salad with intention allows diners to experience the harmonious combination of flavors and textures in each bite rather than having ingredients segregated.

Moisture Management

Careful drying techniques preventing dilution of flavors and maintaining crisp textures. This often-overlooked step ensures greens remain crisp and allows the dressing to adhere properly rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

Baking Tips

Select strawberries that are bright red, fragrant, and firm but not hard - they should be at peak ripeness for maximum flavor

Use a mix of greens for textural and flavor variety - peppery arugula contrasts beautifully with sweet strawberries

Massage kale if using it in place of other greens to break down the tough fibers and improve texture

Bringing the goat cheese to room temperature before crumbling makes it easier to distribute and enhances its creaminess

To make ahead, prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving to prevent wilting

The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator - bring to room temperature and reshake before using

For the best basil flavor, tear the leaves rather than cutting them with a knife to prevent browning at the edges

If you don't have a salad spinner, lay greens between paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture

Substitute feta for goat cheese if preferred, though it will create a saltier flavor profile

Add grilled chicken, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs to transform this into a complete meal

For best presentation, use a transparent bowl to showcase the vibrant layers of ingredients

When making the dressing, add the oil in a very slow stream while whisking vigorously to create a proper emulsion

For a dairy-free version, substitute avocado chunks for the goat cheese

Basil Strawberry Salad

Name: Basil Strawberry Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Modern American
Ingredients: For the Salad Base:; 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce); 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds; 1/4 cup candied walnuts (optional); For the Balsamic Honey Dressing:; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey (preferably local); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 small garlic clove, minced or pressed; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; For Garnish:; Additional fresh basil leaves; Edible flowers (optional); Balsamic glaze or reduction (optional); For Serving (Optional):; Grilled chicken breast; Crusty artisanal bread; Prosciutto slices; Avocado slices

This Basil Strawberry Salad balances sweet-tart strawberries with aromatic basil and creamy goat cheese, creating a refreshing summer dish with complex flavor dimensions. Requiring thoughtful ingredient selection and precise preparation, this medium-difficulty recipe demands careful attention to dressing emulsification and proper ingredient layering. The harmonious blend of peppery greens, juicy berries, and herbal notes creates an elegant side or light main course perfect for warm weather gatherings, brunch menus, or alongside grilled proteins, delivering a visually stunning and nutritionally balanced dish that elevates simple ingredients through proper technique.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

0 Minutes

Total Time

20 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Salad Base:

6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

1/4 cup candied walnuts (optional)

For the Balsamic Honey Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey (preferably local)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 small garlic clove, minced or pressed

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

Additional fresh basil leaves

Edible flowers (optional)

Balsamic glaze or reduction (optional)

For Serving (Optional):

Grilled chicken breast

Crusty artisanal bread

Prosciutto slices

Avocado slices

Instructions

Prepare the dressing first to allow flavors to meld. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a proper emulsion. This technique ensures the dressing will coat the ingredients evenly rather than separating.

Season the dressing with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.

If using raw nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until fragrant and golden. Watch carefully as nuts can burn quickly. Set aside to cool.

Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner. Excess moisture will dilute the dressing and cause the salad to become soggy.

Hull the strawberries and quarter them, ensuring uniform size for visual appeal and consistent flavor distribution.

Slice the red onion as thinly as possible, preferably using a mandoline for consistent results. If the onion flavor is too strong, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Stack the basil leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade technique) or tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces for more rustic presentation.

In a large serving bowl, gently toss the mixed greens with about two-thirds of the prepared dressing until lightly coated.

Layer the dressed greens with strawberries, red onion slices, and basil, distributing the ingredients evenly throughout the salad.

Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted nuts over the top of the salad, allowing these premium ingredients to be visible.

Drizzle the remaining dressing over the completed salad, focusing on the strawberries and cheese to enhance their flavors.

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and edible flowers if using. For an elegant finish, add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern.

Serve immediately to preserve the optimal texture and freshness of the ingredients.

Basil Strawberry Salad

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Master Seasonal Salad Assembly

Basil Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

Instructions