Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A vibrant salad combining fresh strawberries, peppery arugula, and a zesty balsamic dressing for a springtime refresh. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs strawberries, arugula, chopped basil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs strawberries
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup, chopped basil
- 1 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and hull strawberries; cut into halves. Toss with 2 cups arugula and 1/4 cup basil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Add remaining 2 cups arugula, 1 small red onion, and 1/2 cup strawberries to the salad; drizzle with dressing.
- Step 4: Toss gently to coat, then add remaining strawberries and serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep strawberries from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
