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I remember the first time I tried a strawberry and feta combination – it was at a small farmer's market near my place. Initially, I was skeptical, but the explosion of flavors was like fireworks in my mouth! It's a truly unexpected marriage of sweet and savory that just works. This Strawberry Feta Indigo Icon Salad takes that magic and elevates it with the addition of juicy blueberries (hence the 'Indigo Icon,' you see!) and a tangy balsamic glaze. It's like a little vacation for your taste buds. The way the feta crumbles against the juicy strawberries... oh man, I am hungry already. The recipe is so simple, even my friend Mark, who can barely boil water, has managed to make it and impress his date! Give it a whirl. You won't regret it, trust me.
Salads often get a bad rap as being boring or bland, but this recipe is anything BUT! It's designed to be a textural and flavorful adventure. We're talking creamy feta, soft strawberries and blueberries, crisp greens, and that little zing from the balsamic. And let's not forget the health benefits – this salad is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Feel free to experiment with different greens (spinach or arugula would be fab!). I love adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra crunch, but that's totally optional. What does this mean for you? It means you’re about to dive into a salad that challenges everything you thought you knew about salads.
Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Feta Indigo Icon Salad, a refreshing blend of sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and antioxidant-rich blueberries, perfectly balanced with a balsamic glaze. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritional powerhouse, ideal as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Greens: Start by washing and drying about 5 ounces of mixed greens (spring mix or baby spinach work well). Make sure to get rid of any excess water, as soggy greens are a no-no! You can use a salad spinner for this or gently pat them dry with paper towels. Nobody likes a watery salad, am I right?
Prep the Strawberries: Hull and slice 1 pound of fresh strawberries. I like to slice them about 1/4 inch thick. If the berries are really big, you can halve them first, then slice. Pro Tip: Pick strawberries that are bright red and fragrant for the best flavor. Avoid pale or mushy berries.
Rinse the Blueberries: Gently rinse 1 cup of fresh blueberries under cold water. Pick out any stems or leaves. Blueberries add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully. Trust me on this one.
Crumble the Feta: Crumble 4 ounces of feta cheese. I prefer to use a block of feta and crumble it myself, but pre-crumbled feta works just fine too. If you're not a fan of feta, goat cheese is a good substitute (but you are missing out, hehe).
Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to burn it! Let it cool completely before using. The glaze should be thick, like syurp
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Drizzle with Glaze: Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You don't want to drown the salad, just lightly coat it.
Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to prevent the greens from wilting. If you're making it ahead of time, wait to add the glaze until just before serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or toasted almonds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Enjoy: I recommend paring this salad with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. Or you know, just eat the salad... It's that good.
📝 Notes
For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.