Our Strawberry Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with hearty mains like steak or grilled pork. The bright, balanced dressing is something you’ll want to keep on hand in the refrigerator for quick lunches or unexpected guests.
Strawberry Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
This salad showcases a vinaigrette that enhances each ingredient without overpowering it. The red wine vinegar brings bright acidity while honey adds a gentle sweetness, making each bite of ripe strawberry and peppery arugula sing. It’s an ideal summer salad: fresh, light, and full of contrast.
Pack it in jars for lunches, or serve it immediately as a simple side for grilled or roasted mains. The vinaigrette also doubles as a flavorful chicken marinade.
If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and keep the dressed greens aside until serving; salad greens will wilt if left dressed for long periods. Properly stored, the greens and dressing will hold up well for about two days when kept apart.
Recipe Shopping List
Here’s a quick shopping checklist. For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Baby arugula or mixed baby greens
- Fresh strawberries
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
How To Make This Recipe
This overview gives a quick sense of the steps. Follow the full instructions below for best results.
- Add greens – Place baby arugula or your chosen salad greens into a medium bowl.
- Whisk dressing – Combine red wine vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until emulsified.
- Toss – Pour the vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat. Add sliced strawberries and fold to combine.
- Serve – Transfer to plates or a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.
Recipe FAQ
Because the salad has few components, the greens really stand out. Peppery baby arugula is a favorite for its contrast with sweet strawberries, but any tender baby lettuce or mixed greens work well.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Choose berries that are richly colored, fragrant, and red all the way to the stem. Avoid frozen berries for this salad, since they become watery when thawed.
What Can You Serve With This Salad?
This bright, vinegar-based dressing pairs exceptionally well with richer, meat-forward dishes. Try the salad as a side for a grilled ribeye, tomahawk, or any hearty steak. It also cuts through rich, creamy dishes—serve it alongside pasta with a cream sauce or buttery garlic bread for a balanced meal.
If you prefer soup, lighter broths or a lemony chicken orzo complement the salad’s acidity and fruit notes.
Steaks (Serving Suggestions)
A high-quality steak is a classic companion for this salad. Below are a few steak styles that pair particularly well:
Wagyu Manhattan Filet
A richly marbled filet is luxurious alongside the bright strawberry vinaigrette.
Reverse-Seared T-Bone
The bold, beefy flavor of a t-bone contrasts nicely with the salad’s fresh acidity.
Grilled New York Strip Steak
An affordable, flavorful strip steak is an excellent weeknight option to serve with this salad.
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Strawberry Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
This fresh, bright vinaigrette features red wine vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Tossed with baby arugula and fresh strawberries, it’s light, tangy, and perfect for summer.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 1 cup sliced strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the arugula in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until combined and slightly emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the arugula and toss gently so the leaves are evenly coated. Add the sliced strawberries and fold them in carefully.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 103 | Total Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Unsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 184mg | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Protein: 1g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate.