Strawberry Arugula Salad
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A Note from Feedfeed
Looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish? This strawberry arugula salad is perfect for summer! With bright strawberries, crunchy cucumbers, and a minty flavor, this salad is both delicious and filling. Plus, it features ingredients like cheese and farro for added texture and taste. This recipe is inspired by @erekav's culinary journey, as shared on the #feedfeed podcast.
Recipe Description
The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the crispness of the cucumbers and the nuttiness of the farro. Adding pistachios and cheese brings a slight crunch and creaminess, while the mint gives it a fresh, aromatic touch. What makes this recipe special is its versatility; it's perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a light dinner. For a complete meal, pair this salad with grilled chicken, salmon, or a hearty vegetable quiche. It also complements dishes like lemon herb roasted chicken, garlic shrimp, or a simple pasta with olive oil and Parmesan.
- Strawberry Arugula Salad Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Strawberry Arugula Salad Ingredients
Farro: Farro is an ancient grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a hearty addition to any salad. If farro is hard to find, you can easily substitute it with quinoa, barley, or brown rice. These alternatives will still provide a texture and a nutty flavor to your dish.
Ricotta Salata: Ricotta salata is a firm, salty cheese made from sheep's milk. Its unique texture and flavor add a wonderful creaminess to the salad. If you don't have ricotta salata on hand, feta or goat cheese are great alternatives that will still provide a creamy, tangy element to your dish.
Test Kitchen Notes
Farro Preparation: To ensure your farro has the perfect texture, cook it according to package instructions until it's tender but still slightly chewy. Once cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly and evenly.
Dressing Consistency: For a smooth and well-emulsified dressing, blend all the ingredients together until fully combined using a milk frother or stick blender. If you prefer a slightly chunkier dressing, you can finely mince the shallot and mint and whisk everything together by hand.
Arugula Timing: Add the arugula just before serving to maintain its crispness. If you add it too early, it can become wilted from the dressing and other ingredients.
FAQs
What pairs well with arugula?
Arugula pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients due to its peppery flavor. It goes well with fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, and pears. It also complements nuts like pistachios and almonds, cheeses, and grains. For proteins, grilled chicken, salmon, and shrimp are excellent choices.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of the components ahead of time. Chop the strawberries, cucumbers, and mint, and cook the farro in advance. Store these ingredients separately in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, combine all the ingredients, and add the arugula last to keep it fresh and crisp.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the arugula separate and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming wilted. The dressing can be stored in a separate container and added as needed.
Recipe Card
For the salad
ingredients
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup farro, cooked, then cooled
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/3 cup ricotta salata, feta, or goat cheese
- 12 ounces arugula
For the dressing
ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1/2 orange, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Method
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, chopped cucumbers, cooked and cooled farro, chopped pistachios, fresh mint leaves, and cheese.
Step 2
To make the dressing, add the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, shallot, orange juice, fresh mint, and kosher salt to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl, making sure to coat everything evenly. However, do not add the arugula at this stage.
Step 4
When you are ready to serve the salad, add the arugula to the bowl. Mix well to ensure that the arugula is incorporated with the other ingredients and the dressing.
Step 5
Serve immediately.