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Strawberry Salad with Balsamic and Fresh Basil Recipe

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3.8 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and refreshing strawberry salad featuring juicy strawberries, cherry tomatoes, creamy mini mozzarella balls, ripe avocado, toasted pecans, and fresh basil, all enhanced with a homemade balsamic reduction and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Perfect for spring and summer, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors and can easily be made vegan by skipping the cheese.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Salad

  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup halved mini mozzarella balls
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
  • ⅓ cup pecans, toasted
  • ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the balsamic reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a high simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer until the vinegar has thickened and reduced by half, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the salad ingredients: In a shallow bowl or platter, combine the sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mini mozzarella balls, diced ripe avocado, toasted pecans, and torn fresh basil leaves.
  3. Season and toss: Drizzle the salad ingredients with extra-virgin olive oil, then season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together to combine all the flavors.
  4. Serve with balsamic glaze: Drizzle the cooled reduced balsamic vinegar over the salad just before serving for a tangy finishing touch.

Notes

  • Make this salad vegan by simply omitting the mini mozzarella balls.
  • To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • Use ripe but firm strawberries and avocado for the best texture.
  • This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/strawberry-salad-with-balsamic-and-fresh-basil-recipe/