Strawberry Iceberg Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
With lots of crunch from iceberg lettuce this strawberry topped salad is perfect for dinner or served at the beginning of a meal. Think about adding some extra protein such as grilled shrimp or chicken. The vinaigrette is pretty punchy — if you’re not a big fan of tangy vinaigrettes, try topping the salad with a more traditional creamy blue cheese dressing.
With lots of crunch from iceberg lettuce this strawberry topped salad is perfect for dinner or served at the beginning of a meal. Think about adding some extra protein such as grilled shrimp or chicken. The vinaigrette is pretty punchy — if you’re not a big fan of tangy vinaigrettes, try topping the salad with a more traditional creamy blue cheese dressing.
- salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 thick-cut bacon slices, cooked until crisp then cr
- 1 medium head iceberg lettuce, trimmed and cored, sliced i
- 6 ounces strawberries hulled and sliced (9 strawberries)
- 1/4 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 2 ounces blue cheese crumbled (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon very finely minced garlic (about 1/2 medium clove
- pinch sugar plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
- Carbohydrate 4.34360698139 g
- Cholesterol 10.6310711625 mg
- Fat 14.333274343962 g
- Fiber 0.967360696278255 g
- Protein 3.393936678855 g
- Saturated Fat 4.05361237930344 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (85g)
- Sodium 237.957416469411 mg
- Sugar 3.37624628511174 g
- Trans Fat 0.524735318143279 g
- Calories 158 calories
Step-by-step
- Place lettuce rounds onto plates or arrange all slices onto a larger platter.
- Top with crumbled bacon, strawberries and onion slices.
- Make vinaigrette. In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the blue cheese, garlic and sugar into the cider vinegar until the blue cheese has melted into the vinegar. You don’t need to mash until completely smooth, it’s fine to have some small pieces of cheese left.
- Add the olive oil and whisk until creamy.
- Adjust seasonings with more sugar, salt and/or pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over stacked salad.
- If any blue cheese remains, it doesn’t hurt to add a few extra crumbles on top.
A Refreshing Summer Salad: My Go-To Recipe for Busy Weeknights
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and delicious – a tall order, I know! This Strawberry Iceberg Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette has become my absolute lifesaver. It's surprisingly simple to whip up, yet it feels elegant enough to serve to guests, or just enjoy on a busy weeknight by myself. The crisp iceberg lettuce provides a satisfying crunch, the sweetness of the strawberries offers a delightful counterpoint, and the tangy blue cheese vinaigrette adds a layer of sophisticated flavor. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing, and it's incredibly versatile.
I often find myself experimenting with different additions to this salad. Sometimes, I'll grill some chicken or shrimp to add a protein boost, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Other times, I might toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can customize it to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. This salad is never boring, and always satisfies my craving for something light yet fulfilling.
The Vinaigrette: A Flavor Explosion
The star of this show, in my opinion, is the blue cheese vinaigrette. It’s so easy to make, and the creamy texture and tangy flavor perfectly complements the sweet strawberries and crisp lettuce. I love the way the blue cheese melts slightly into the vinegar, creating a luscious, almost emulsified dressing. If you're not a fan of super tangy dressings, you can always adjust the amount of vinegar to your liking, or even substitute it with a milder vinegar like white wine vinegar. You could even add a dollop of mayonnaise for extra creaminess, though I personally prefer the sharper, cleaner taste of the original recipe.
Why this Salad is My Go-To:
- Speed and Simplicity: The preparation is incredibly quick – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of sweet strawberries, crisp lettuce, and tangy blue cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This salad is a great source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile and Customizable: Add protein, nuts, or other vegetables to create endless variations.
- Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, this salad looks stunning when plated, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal occasions.
Beyond the Salad: A Versatile Ingredient
The ingredients in this salad can easily be repurposed for other dishes. The leftover bacon is great crumbled on top of eggs, or used in a pasta salad. The strawberries are delicious in smoothies or as a topping for yogurt. And the blue cheese? Well, a little bit of blue cheese goes a long way in almost any dish!
This salad has become more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined in a way that elevates the everyday. It's a reminder that delicious, healthy meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. This is a recipe I’ll be making for years to come, and I encourage you to try it for yourself. You might just find it becomes your go-to as well!
