Strawberry Salad With Chocolate Balsamic Dressing Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you my recipe for a delicious and refreshing Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Balsamic Dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or a side salad for your dinner table.

The combination of fresh, juicy strawberries and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette is a classic one, but I’ve added a twist by incorporating dark chocolate into the dressing. This elevates the flavors and makes the salad even more satisfying.

I’ve also included a variety of greens such as arugula, rocket, and watercress to give the salad a peppery kick. The sweetness of the strawberries and the bitterness of the greens balance each other out, making this salad both flavorful and nutritious.

Whether you’re a fan of chocolate or not, I can guarantee that this Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Balsamic Dressing will become a new favorite in your household. So let’s get started, and I’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Salad With Chocolate Balsamic Dressing recipe is a delicious and unique twist on a classic salad. The combination of sweet strawberries, refreshing cucumber, and peppery rocket creates a flavor profile that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. And the star of the show, the chocolate balsamic dressing, is a decadent and indulgent addition that will take your salad game to the next level.

But why should you love this recipe? Well, for one, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up this salad in no time. And the end result is a beautiful and impressive dish that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking by swapping out ingredients or adjusting the dressing to suit your taste. Add some crumbled Stilton cheese for a tangy twist, or throw in some sliced mozzarella for a creamy complement. The possibilities are endless.

But perhaps the best reason to love this recipe is the flavor. The combination of sweet and savory, with a hint of chocolate, is a truly unique and delicious experience. And the dressing, with its rich chocolate undertones and tangy balsamic vinegar, is a true showstopper. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and health, making it a guilt-free treat that you can enjoy any day of the week.

So, whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad, a healthy lunch option, or just something new and exciting to try, this Strawberry Salad With Chocolate Balsamic Dressing recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Strawberry Salad With Chocolate Balsamic Dressing:

For the salad:

• 5 ounces of spring mix salad greens (1 package)
• 2 cups of watercress (1 package)
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 pint of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 4 ounces of Stilton cheese, crumbled
• 4 ounces of mozzarella cheese, diced

For the dressing:

• 1/4 teaspoon of caster sugar
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

• Goat cheese crumbles
• Fresh mint leaves

Note: If you cannot find cocoa balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with regular balsamic vinegar and add an additional teaspoon of dark chocolate chips.

The Recipe How-To

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started with making the Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Balsamic Dressing Recipe.

Step 1: Making the Chocolate Balsamic Dressing

In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of caster sugar, and 2 teaspoons of dark chocolate chips. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Once the mixture has cooled, whisk in 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified. If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add more olive oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Salad

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of spring mix salad greens, 2 cups of watercress, 1 cup of rocket, and 1 cup of spinach. Toss the greens together until they are well mixed.

Next, add 1 pint of fresh strawberries, sliced, 1 small cucumber, sliced, and 4 ounces of Stilton cheese, crumbled, to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together.

Step 3: Assembling the Salad

Arrange the strawberries, greens, and cheese on a large platter. Drizzle the chocolate balsamic dressing over the top of the salad.

Step 4: Serving the Salad

This Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Balsamic Dressing Recipe is best served immediately after assembling. If you like, you can add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or some fresh mint leaves as a garnish.

Enjoy your delicious and unique salad creation!

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways to switch up this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

– Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Stilton cheese, you could use crumbled goat cheese or feta instead. Both options provide a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweet strawberries.

– Greens: While this recipe calls for a mix of rocket, spinach, and watercress, you could use any combination of salad greens you like. Arugula, mixed greens, or even mint leaves would all work well.

– Chocolate: If you don’t have dark chocolate chips on hand, you could use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead. Just be aware that these options will be sweeter than dark chocolate.

– Dressing: The chocolate balsamic dressing is the star of this recipe, but you could also try a different type of dressing if you prefer. A simple balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or even a raspberry vinaigrette would all complement the strawberries nicely.

– Fruit: While this recipe highlights the strawberries, you could also add other fruits to the mix. Sliced peaches, kiwi, or blueberries would all be delicious in this salad.

– Extra toppings: To add even more texture and flavor to this salad, you could add some toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, or some crumbled bacon for a savory twist.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes.

Serving and Pairing

This strawberry salad with chocolate balsamic dressing is a perfect starter or side dish for any meal. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

When it comes to serving, you can arrange the cheese, strawberries, and greens on a platter, and then drizzle the chocolate balsamic dressing over it. Alternatively, you can toss everything together in a large bowl and then serve.

This salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled chicken, fish, or steak. You can also serve it as a light lunch with some crusty bread on the side.

If you’re serving this salad at a dinner party, consider pairing it with a light and refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling water infused with fresh strawberries and mint.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this strawberry salad with chocolate balsamic dressing is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This strawberry salad with chocolate balsamic dressing recipe is perfect for those who want to save time without sacrificing taste. The good news is that this salad can be made ahead of time, which makes it an ideal dish for entertaining. You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

To make this salad ahead of time, just keep the strawberries, cucumber, and rocket in separate containers in the fridge. You can also make the chocolate balsamic dressing ahead of time and store it in a separate container. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix the ingredients together and pour the dressing over the top.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just give the salad a quick toss to recombine the ingredients before serving.

Reheating this salad is not recommended, as the ingredients will wilt and lose their texture. However, you can add some fresh greens to the leftovers and create a new salad.

Overall, this salad is an excellent option for meal prep, picnics or potlucks. The fact that it can be made ahead of time and stored for a few days makes it an easy and practical choice for busy people who want to eat healthy and tasty food.

Tips for Perfect Results

When making this delicious strawberry salad with chocolate balsamic dressing, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will help ensure perfect results every time. Here are some of my top recommendations:

First, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. This salad relies on the freshness and flavor of the strawberries, as well as the richness of the dark chocolate and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar. Opt for organic produce whenever possible, and choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for the best flavor.

When making the chocolate balsamic dressing, take care not to overdo it on the caster sugar. This dressing should strike a balance between sweet and tangy, so it’s important to taste as you go and adjust the sugar and vinegar levels to your liking.

To bring out the flavors of the strawberries and other salad ingredients, try tossing them in a bit of olive oil and salt before adding the dressing. This will help bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

When it comes to assembling the salad, it’s best to arrange the cheese and strawberries on top of the greens rather than mixing them in. This will help keep the salad looking beautiful and ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and variations. This salad can be adapted in countless ways to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Try adding some sliced cucumber or crumbled Stilton cheese for an extra burst of flavor, or swap out the rocket for spinach or arugula for a different texture. With a little experimentation, you’re sure to find your perfect version of this delicious salad.

FAQ

Now that you have learned all about the ingredients, preparation, and serving of this delicious strawberry salad with chocolate balsamic dressing, it’s time to address some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this recipe. Below, I have compiled some of the most common inquiries about this dish, along with detailed answers to help you make the most out of your culinary experience. So, let’s dive right in!

Is balsamic vinaigrette the same as balsamic dressing?

Balsamic vinegar is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in salad dressings but can also be utilized in various other culinary applications. While balsamic vinaigrette requires balsamic vinegar as a key component, it is important to note that balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette are not interchangeable.

Is balsamic dressing healthy?

Balsamic vinegar is a healthy and flavorful addition to any salad. With its antioxidant properties, lack of fat, and low calorie count, it’s a great way to enhance the taste of your greens without compromising your health. Plus, a little bit of balsamic vinegar can go a long way, so you don’t need to use a lot to get a lot of flavor.

How long does balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing last?

One can prolong the shelf life of Balsamic Vinaigrette for two weeks by refrigerating it in a tightly sealed container. Before using, it is important to give it a good shake or stir to ensure it’s fully blended. This tip will assist in maintaining the freshness of the vinaigrette for a longer period of time.

How do you make Jamie Oliver salad dressing?

Alright, let’s start by making the dressing. Grab a jam jar and pour in ⅓ cup of natural yoghurt, 2 tablespoons of either white or red wine vinegar, and finally, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Don’t forget to add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper for seasoning. Once all the ingredients are in the jar, secure the lid and give it a good shake until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Bottom Line

This Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Balsamic Dressing is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors that will leave you wanting more. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be put together in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests.

The combination of fresh strawberries, spring mix, and dark chocolate vinaigrette adds a unique twist to your everyday salad. The dressing is made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, such as balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and dark chocolate chips.

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy recipe that is sure to impress, then this strawberry salad with chocolate balsamic dressing is the perfect choice. It’s a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite.

So, why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills? Trust me; they won’t be able to resist this delectable salad.

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]