Romaine-Strawberry Salad

Introduction

History

The combination of romaine lettuce and strawberries in a salad is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. The sweet and tangy flavors of the strawberries complement the crisp and slightly bitter taste of the romaine lettuce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly before using it in the salad.

- For added crunch, you can toast some sliced almonds and sprinkle them on top of the salad.

- If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can substitute the Raspberry Vinaigrette with a creamy poppyseed dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a great Romaine-Strawberry Salad is to toss the ingredients gently to avoid crushing the strawberries and wilting the lettuce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have romaine lettuce, you can use mixed greens or spinach as a substitute. You can also use a different type of fruit, such as peaches or mangoes, instead of strawberries.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for the salad ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply toss everything together with the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Romaine-Strawberry Salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light and refreshing beer, such as a wheat beer or pale ale.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Romaine-Strawberry Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze the salad, as the lettuce will become wilted and soggy. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Romaine-Strawberry Salad contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Romaine-Strawberry Salad is a low-carb option, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This salad is low in fat, with only 5 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

The Romaine-Strawberry Salad is a good source of protein, with approximately 3 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the strawberries and vitamin A from the romaine lettuce.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (dressing), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, the Romaine-Strawberry Salad is a healthy and nutritious option that is low in carbs and fats, but high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Romaine-Strawberry Salad is a delicious and nutritious salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its crisp romaine lettuce, sweet strawberries, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Romaine-Strawberry Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my mother tend to the garden. As we sat at the kitchen table enjoying a glass of iced tea, my mother’s friend, Mrs. Jenkins, stopped by with a basket full of fresh strawberries.

Mrs. Jenkins had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a recipe card from her purse. “I thought you might like to try this,” she said, handing the card to my mother. “It’s a delicious salad that’s perfect for a hot day like today.”

As my mother read the ingredients out loud, my mouth began to water. Romaine lettuce, strawberries, almonds, feta cheese, and a homemade vinaigrette dressing. It sounded like a perfect combination of flavors.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She shared stories of making the salad for family gatherings and picnics, and how it had always been a hit with everyone who tried it.

I was fascinated by the idea of a recipe being passed down like a family heirloom. I had always loved cooking and baking, but most of my recipes had come from cookbooks or magazines. The thought of creating something that had a history behind it was intriguing to me.

After Mrs. Jenkins left, my mother and I immediately set to work making the Romaine-Strawberry Salad. We washed and chopped the romaine lettuce, sliced the strawberries, toasted the almonds, and crumbled the feta cheese. The vinaigrette dressing came together easily with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard.

As we tossed everything together in a large salad bowl, the colors and textures of the ingredients mingled beautifully. The bright red strawberries popped against the vibrant green lettuce, while the salty feta cheese and crunchy almonds added depth and flavor.

When we sat down to eat the salad, it was even better than I had imagined. The sweetness of the strawberries paired perfectly with the tangy vinaigrette, and the crunchy almonds added a nice contrast to the tender lettuce. It was a refreshing and satisfying dish that left me feeling both nourished and inspired.

From that day on, Romaine-Strawberry Salad became a staple in our household. I made it for family dinners, potlucks, and even packed it for picnics in the park. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother, and how a simple recipe had brought us all together in a shared love of good food.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in some fresh herbs or switching up the type of cheese. But the core ingredients and flavors have remained the same, a testament to the timelessness of a well-loved dish.

As I look back on that summer day when I first learned to make Romaine-Strawberry Salad, I am grateful for the gift of a recipe that has brought so much joy and connection to my life. It’s a reminder that food isn’t just about nourishment, but also about tradition, community, and love. And for that, I will always be thankful.

Categories

| Broccoli Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Prepared Salad Dressing Recipes | Romaine Lettuce Recipes | Strawberry Recipes |

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