This Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is one of my very favorites, especially this time of year when the strawberries are at their best. I thought this would be a great addition to all the bread we've been making.
Basil is my favorite herb and I can never get enough of it. This unusual dressing is one more way to use it.
Spring greens, fresh strawberries, pungent bleu cheese, and chunky pecans make this one of the most flavorful summer salads to be found. The basil vinaigrette dressing originally came from the Missouri Governor's kitchen, although I am embarrassed that I don't remember which governor. This is not only an unusual vinaigrette but one of the best if you love basil.
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If the Strawberry Salads are plated individually ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Pass the dressing or serve in individual containers to be added at the table by each person.
Basil Vinaigrette
1 large clove garlic
2 tablespoons sugar
.67 ounce package fresh basil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup vegetable oil
With the food processor running, drop the garlic down the feed tube. Add the sugar, basil, salt, and pepper.
Process to mince finely.
Add the vinegar and process until the basil is finely cut in. Slowly add the oil. This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Strawberry Salad
1 bag mixed greens of your choice
1 cup sliced strawberries
¼ pound blue cheese, crumbled
¼ cups pecans
Basil Vinaigrette (see recipe below
Mix all but the Basil Vinaigrette in a large bowl or plate individually, as in the photograph. This can be done the morning before serving if desired. Cover each plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. Drizzle with Basil Vinaigrette before serving, or pass the dressing and have each person add what they want.
Yield: 4 servings
A couple of breads to accompany the salad:
Sweet and Hot Red Pepper Bread
Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Popovers
No Knead Bread
Ginny says
Hi Helen,
This sounds really good. Just a quick question... my nearby markets sell basil either by the live plant (large living plant from Trader Joe's or small plant like the type from a nursery), or by a small plastic container that never has much in the way of herbs inside, especially for basil since it has large leaves. So, can you clarify about how much basil is .67 oz? Is that one of those tiny 'clamshell' options sold at most major grocery stores? Is it about a cup, a handful, some other obscure measurement? LOL I plan on using goat cheese, or feta in lieu of the blue cheese because someone over here does not like stinky cheeses..
Oops another question: I'm trying hard to limit sugar in my diet. You probably have not tried it, but would subbing Swerve or other sugar alternative work ok in this recipe?
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Ginny, It is the little clamshell pkg. I buy the TJ's plant usually but when I wrote this we didn't have a TJ's. For sure you can use a sugar substitute here. The cheese subs are good also.
Charlene says
Made this salad last weekend. Very tasty! Thanks for sharing.
hfletcher says
Hi Charlene, Hope all is going well for you and everybody Glad to hear you tried the salad. Basil is my favorite. I added some spicy breaded chicken tenders from Trader Joe's last week and it was a wonderful addition. Hi to everyone.
Mary says
What a lovely fresh Summer salad. But I think your Basil Dressing sounds sublime.
I do add Strawberries to salad, in fact, at times I’ve added other fruits as well, although not in the same salad and also basil but have never made a basil dressing. I shall rectify that next time!!
Thankyou! :))