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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Strawberry Arugula Salad

    Published: Mar 13, 2020 · Updated: Sep 4, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 26 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Bowl of salad with dressing in the background.

    Whether you're looking for a refreshing lunch or a dish to bring to a potluck, this strawberry arugula salad is for you. This recipe is easy-to-make, quick, and most importantly, tastes delicious.

    A bowl of strawberry arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

    This strawberry arugula is one of those simple salads that I keep coming back to.  It takes a few minutes to make, doesn't require any fancy dressings or a blender.

    Just simple, high-quality, fresh ingredients. It goes well as a side or on its own. Either pair is as a side salad to a delicious entree or enjoy it on its own.

    Fresh arugula is tossed with juicy sweet strawberries. The thinly sliced red onions add a little crunch and more flavor while the avocado gives it creaminess.

    The toasted walnuts add crispiness and the balsamic vinaigrette just brings it all together. It's delicious every single time!

    A close up of the salad

    Ingredients you'll need

    This salad is loaded with fresh seasonal produce. You'll need the following ingredients:

    Arugula: Be sure to rinse and dry the arugula well. While I don't normally use single-use gadgets anymore, a salad spinner is one I keep handy. This allows me to quickly rinse and dry my fresh greens!

    Strawberries: Peak season for strawberries is April through June so this is a great time to get the freshest and juiciest strawberries! Since strawberries are at the top of EWG's Dirty Dozen list, be sure to rinse your strawberries well.

    Red onion: Thinly sliced. Pro tip - when using raw red onions. soak them in water first. This removes that aftertaste while still preserving the onion's flavor.

    Walnuts: Either use raw walnuts or take a few minutes to toast them on the skillet at medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. This will keep them crispy and enhance the flavor of the entire salad.

    Avocado: To add creaminess and flavor.

    Balsamic vinaigrette: See the recipe here on how to make this quick, easy, and super delicious dressing.

    Step-by-step instructions on how to make the arugula salad.

    How to make a strawberry arugula salad

    1. Rinse the greens: If you don't have a salad spinner, be sure to pat the greens down with a towel. Removing the excess water will help the dressing stick to the greens.

    2. Prepare remaining ingredients: Rinse, dry, and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the red onions. Toast the walnuts if you'd like (or just use raw walnuts).

    3. Prepare the dressing: Meanwhile, make a batch of the balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

    4. Prepare salad: When everything is ready, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, including the arugula, strawberries, red onion, and walnuts. Finally, drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Toss and serve.

    Substitutions and variations

    What I love about this salad is how customizable it is based on dietary preferences, personal taste, and what you've got hanging out in the kitchen. Here are some ways to make this your own:

    • Use a variety of fresh greens: To make this a strawberry spinach salad, replace the arugula with fresh spinach. Spring greens or massage kale also tastes great!
    • Use another dressing: such as a lemon vinaigrette instead of a balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy lemon flavor.
    • Add a grain: such as quinoa, to make the flavor.
    • Add another fruit: If you're running low on strawberries, mix it up with blueberries or peaches.
    • Toast the walnuts: This will not only enhance the flavor your the salad but also improve the texture of the walnuts so they stay crisp in the salad. To toast, just warm them up in a skillet for about 10 minutes on medium-low heat.
    • Add a protein to make it a meal: Whether it's chickpeas or another source of protein, adding protein will make the salad more filling.
    A bowl of strawberry arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette

    More vegetarian salad recipes

    • Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Italian Potato Salad
    • Tomato Heirloom Salad
    • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
    • Citrus Avocado Salad

    I hope you love this strawberry arugula salad recipe as much as I do! Sign up for email updates to receive new recipes delivered to your inbox or check out my new cookbook Plant Power Bowls.

    Editor's note: This post was originally published on October 24, 2016. Since then, it's been updated with new photos and a rewritten post. Slight changes were made to the recipe.

    Hand drizzling vinaigrette on strawberry arugula salad

    Strawberry Arugula Salad

    5 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 10 minutes
    Total time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 435kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    Whether you're looking for a refreshing lunch or a salad to bring to a potluck, this strawberry arugula salad is for you! This recipe is easy-to-make, quick, and most importantly, tastes delicious! 

    Ingredients

    Salad

    • 3-4 cups arugula
    • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
    • 1 avocado, sliced
    • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
    • ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • pinch of garlic powder
    • sea salt and black pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    • Prepare the dressing by whisking the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
    • Combine the arugula, strawberry, avocado, red onion, walnuts in a large bowl.  Drizzle with dressing.
    • Adjust seasoning, if needed. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 435kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 17mg, Potassium: 802mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 859IU, Vitamin C: 58mg, Calcium: 86mg, Iron: 2mg
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!

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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. jackie ayers says

      June 01, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      as a vegetarian this was one of the best salads i've ever made (and i've tried a ton of them). tysm for the inspo and for the meatless recipes 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        June 14, 2021 at 6:50 pm

        So glad to hear, Jackie! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    2. Anne Weekly says

      July 28, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      This is one of the BEST salads I have ever had!!! All of my kids LOVED IT! I added chick peas and bulgar and made it a full dinner...... it was AWESOME! thank you5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        June 14, 2021 at 6:50 pm

        So glad to hear, Anne! Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Sylvie says

      August 20, 2019 at 10:01 am

      Adding fruits is such a fun way to make a more original salad! I don't think I have ever tried a salad with strawberries but it sounds so delicious - I need to try it asap!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 26, 2019 at 10:40 am

        Yes! I think you'd love it, Sylvie!

        Reply
    4. Suzy says

      July 28, 2019 at 3:06 pm

      There is nothing better than a tasty salad! I love all of the flavors going on in this one!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm

        So glad to hear, Suzy!

        Reply
    5. cheflolaskitchen says

      July 28, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      Love all the vibrant colors! Awesome!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    6. Sara Welch says

      July 28, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      I know what I will be having for lunch today! This is everything a gourmet salad should be and then some!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm

        Ah thank you, Sara!

        Reply
    7. Alison says

      July 28, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      I have arugula and strawberries in my refrigerator that I need to use pronto. This salad looks perfect.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm

        Yes! I hope you enjoyed it, Alison!

        Reply
    8. David says

      July 28, 2019 at 12:42 pm

      I can see how the peppery arugula and sweetness of the strawberry would be great together! Pinning...5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:20 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    9. Cookilicious says

      July 06, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      I have pinned this as well.. I am definitely going to try this salad recipe next week!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 06, 2019 at 8:20 pm

        Thank you! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    10. Paula Montenegro says

      July 06, 2019 at 1:51 pm

      OMG, I love everything about this salad! The combo of arugula with strawberries and avocado is a winner!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 06, 2019 at 8:20 pm

        Thanks so much, Paula - so happy you love it! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Alisha Rodrigues says

      July 06, 2019 at 12:54 pm

      That bowl has so much color.. It makes healthy food look so tempting. If this was my dinner bowl, I'd enjoy it every single day5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 06, 2019 at 8:21 pm

        I love how fresh produce adds so much color to simple meals. Thanks for stopping by, Alisha!

        Reply
    12. Michele Peterson says

      July 06, 2019 at 11:46 am

      What a brilliant idea to toast the walnuts. This is a beautiful and delicious salad excellent for company. PS Glad to see you also love your salad spinner - I'm not alone in thinking it's super handy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 06, 2019 at 12:48 pm

        Thanks so much, Michele! I’m happy you loved the recipe. And yes to those salad spinners. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Sarah says

      July 06, 2019 at 10:23 am

      Arugula salads are one of my favorite things ever! I love adding them to pizza 😀 I love that you added walnuts to this-- so tasty!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 06, 2019 at 12:50 pm

        Thanks so much, Sarah, so glad you love it! Arugula is the best - I love adding it to my pizza as well!. 🙂

        Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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