Hi friends!
Hope you that you had a great weekend. Mine was pretty low-key: did some schoolwork (got 100% on my second test!) and stuff around/for the house, went hiking, got some beach time in and just enjoyed the summertime weather.
And speaking of summer, today’s recipe is most definitely seasonally appropriate.
I came up with this salad after having recently eaten a strawberry basil Greek yogurt. I loved the flavor combo, and when I picked up strawberries during my next grocery store run, I started thinking about pairing local strawberries with basil from my backyard for a dish.
In general, I like to switch things up in the kitchen, but this just isn’t the case when it comes to salad dressings. My go-to dressing mix is extra virgin olive oil + fresh lemon juice + balsamic vinaigrette + mixed up salt. BOOM. I pretty much make it every time I have salad, but this time, I decided to get a little creative and make a strawberry basil vinaigrette.
Simple enough to throw together in a jiffy, the dressing is the fresh and fruity star of this vibrant, vegan, healthy summer salad.
Strawberry, Cashew & Apricot Salad with Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups of mixed greens
- 1 cup strawberries
- 4 fresh apricots
- 1/2 cup raw cashew pieces
Dressing:
- 1 cup strawberries
- 2 TSP white balsamic vinegar
- 2 TSP cane sugar
- 2 TBSP fresh basil
- 1 1/2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 TSP sea salt
Instructions
- Place greens in a large salad bowl.
- Slice strawberries and quarter apricots. Place 1 cup of the strawberries and the apricot pieces into the salad bowl. Sprinkle cashew pieces in, and toss to combine.
- In a food processor, combine remaining strawberries and all other dressing ingredients. Pulse until the mixture forms a smooth dressing. Drizzle on top of salad. Top to combine. Divide evenly into 2 bowls.
Questions: Do you like the combination of strawberry and basil? What’s your go-to salad dressing?
PS – If you haven’t already, don’t forget to enter my KIND healthy snack bar giveaway before it ends Wednesday!
I love strawberry and basil!! This is the perfect summer salad!
Strawberries with basil is such an interesting and yummy combo right?!
I love the strawberry basil flavor combo. Especially in margaritas! But, this salad looks so delicious, too. I never use fresh apricots but this makes me want to eat some on a salad asap!
Oooh you just reminded me how I love strawberry mojitos… I wonder if strawberry mojitos with basil added into the mix would be yummy. I bet it would be! 🙂
I LOVE strawberry basil combo! Especially adding in balsamic to it! This salad looks amazing! I love the summery flavors! I might try this as a lunch salad!
Also, congrats on your 100%! You are such a smarty!
Let me know what you think if you try it!
Ha, thank girl!
Wow this salad looks beautiful!
Thank you! Brightly colored produce always makes for good photography.
Strawberries and basil are such a great combo. I LOVE the sound of this dressing too!
I rarely buy or eat apricots and I’m not sure why…they look delicious so I need to change that!
Apricots are so cute and little. I love to throw em in fruit bowls with strawberries, banana, apple and nectarines. You should try it!