Trisha Yearwood’s Strawberry Salad Recipe

A strawberry salad this fresh and bright deserves a spot on the table any time of year!

The kicker is how those sweet berries dance with the sharpness of the vinaigrette.

The secret to getting the best texture is using a mix of greens—baby spinach adds a tender bite, while arugula brings a little peppery contrast.

A handful of chopped candied pecans adds a light crunch that balances the softer ingredients.

The dressing should be kept simple—a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey lets the ingredients shine.

This dish keeps me smiling for its bright, lively vibe that’s so easy to throw together!

How to Make Trisha Yearwood’s Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

• 1 Head Romaine Lettuce
• 1 Bag Baby Spinach (5 oz)
• 1 Pint Strawberries (hulled and thinly sliced)
• 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1 Package Ramen Noodles (crushed, flavor packet discarded)
• 1/4 Cup Almonds (sliced)
• 1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
• 1/2 Stick Butter (melted)
• 3/4 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1/2 tsp Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F to get that perfect crunch.

Step 2:

Place the ramen noodles, almonds, and sunflower seeds in a pan.

Toast them in the oven for around 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 3:

Mix the romaine lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and Parmesan cheese in a large salad bowl.

Step 4:

In another bowl, dissolve the sugar in red wine vinegar.

Add in the minced garlic, salt, and melted butter to make the dressing.

Step 5:

Add the toasted ramen noodle mix on top of the salad before serving.

Serve immediately to keep the crunch intact!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Strawberries

You definitely want your strawberries to be fresh and juicy for maximum flavor in every bite.

Toast Toppings Carefully

Keep an eye while toasting the ramen noodles, almonds, and seeds as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.

Assemble Just Before Serving

Assemble the salad right before serving to keep it crispy and fresh.

Garlic Amount

If you love the taste of garlic, feel free to add another clove to the dressing for extra flavor.

What to Serve with this Strawberry Salad Recipe

Grilled Chicken

The savory flavors of chicken perfectly balance the sweetness of strawberries, creating a delicious harmony.

Try a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an extra boost.

Make sure to grill the chicken evenly and check it reaches the right temperature.

Crusty Bread

Crusty bread goes so well with this salad!

It’s perfect for soaking up the tasty dressing and adds a nice texture contrast.

Bake or buy a fresh baguette and slice it to serve alongside your salad.

Consider slightly toasting it for an extra crunch.

Goat Cheese Crostini

Goat cheese crostini is an unexpected but tasty pairing with your strawberry salad.

Spread goat cheese on toasted baguette slices, and consider a drizzle of honey for a hint of sweetness.

The creamy and tangy cheese provides a nice flavor counterpoint to the salad.

This combination offers an elegant presentation for your table.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus can add a subtle but unique touch to your meal.

Cooking it with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out flavor.

The slightly charred tips paired with tender stems complement the freshness of the salad greens.

Stuffed Avocados

Try stuffed avocados for a creative and refreshing addition.

Fill avocado halves with a mix of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

These flavors add a vibrant note that enhances each bite of the strawberry salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Alternative Greens

If you’re out of romaine lettuce, you can easily swap it out for a spring mix or arugula.

These leafy greens add a touch of peppery flavor to the salad, which can make it more interesting.

Nuts and Seeds

Instead of almonds and sunflower seeds, try using walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.

Toasted hazelnuts also work great and can give a more distinct nutty flavor to your salad.

Dressing Options

Consider trying a balsamic vinaigrette if you want a more tangy taste to your salad dressing.

A honey mustard vinaigrette is another excellent choice for adding a sweet and savory combination.

Additional Fruit

Feel free to add slices of kiwi or mandarin oranges for extra sweetness and color.

Blueberries also make a refreshing addition, adding more depth to the mix of fruits.

How to Store Leftover Strawberry Salad

When storing leftover strawberry salad, you’ll want to keep it fresh and tasty for later enjoyment!

Store your salad in an airtight container to maintain its crispness and prevent outside odors from seeping in.

Place the container on a higher shelf in your fridge to protect it from any drips from other foods.

Keep Ingredients Separate

If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad to maintain the texture of the greens and toppings.

By doing this, you’ll prevent the leaves from getting soggy or wilting too quickly.

Organize with Care

Separate any particularly delicate components, like strawberries, to add back later before serving the next day.

Toss them in just before eating to keep everything vibrant.

Enjoy Within a Few Days

It’s best to consume the salad within two to three days to enjoy the flavors at their peak freshness.

Any longer, and you might find that the textures and tastes start to falter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Toasting the Toppings

One common mistake is skipping the step of toasting the ramen, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Toasting gives these elements an irresistible crunch and flavor you don’t want to miss!

Using Wilted Greens

Using wilted greens can affect the texture and taste of your salad.

Make sure your romaine and spinach are fresh and crisp for the best results.

Overdressing the Salad

It’s easy to go overboard with the dressing and make the salad soggy.

Start with a little dressing and add more as needed. This keeps your salad lively and fresh!