Strawberry Macadamia Salad

Strawberry Macadamia Salad Recipe from Belgium and Malawi | Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Strawberries, Balsamic Vinegar, and More

Region / culture: Belgium, Malawi | Servings: 8

Introduction

This refreshing and flavorful Strawberry Macadamia Salad is the perfect dish for a light and healthy meal. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy macadamia nuts, and tangy balsamic dressing creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The Strawberry Macadamia Salad is a modern twist on the classic fruit and nut salad. The combination of strawberries and macadamia nuts is a popular pairing in many dishes, and this salad brings them together in a fresh and unique way.

Ingredients

1 cup of toasted macadamia nuts
1 pt (473 ml) of Michigan strawberries, washed and drained
0.33 cup of balsamic vinegar
1 cup of vegetable oil
salt and pepper
1 large head of bibb lettuce, washed and dried
4 large belgian endive, washed and dried

How to prepare

Split the macadamia nuts in half and set them aside.
Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them to a thickness of 0.25 inch.
Using a food processor, blend 0.67 cup of the sliced strawberries with the vinegar until smooth.
Add the oil and process for 30 to 40 seconds until the dressing is well combined.
Season with salt and pepper.
If the berries are not sweet, add a teaspoon or two of sugar.
Place 2 leaves of bibb lettuce on each of 8 chilled plates.
Arrange 7 leaves of endive on top, resembling spokes in a wheel.
Fan out 8 slices of strawberries in the center.
If preparing in advance, cover the plates with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Just before serving, drizzle 3 to 4 tbsp of dressing over the strawberries and sprinkle with the toasted nuts.
The dressing can be made in advance, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Variations

You can add crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese to the salad for an extra burst of flavor.
Add some avocado slices for a creamy texture and added nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the macadamia nuts before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch.

- When blending the strawberries for the dressing, make sure to blend them until smooth to create a creamy and flavorful dressing.

- If the strawberries are not sweet enough, you can add a little sugar to the dressing to enhance their natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light and refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to accompany a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the macadamia nuts adds a depth of flavor to the salad. Make sure to watch them carefully as they can burn easily.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have macadamia nuts, you can use almonds or pecans as a substitute. You can also use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and toast the nuts in advance to save time. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with 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 cocktail, such as a mojito or a gin and tonic.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may separate, so make sure to give it a good shake before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 25g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 60% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts

Summary

This Strawberry Macadamia Salad is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal.

Summary

This Strawberry Macadamia Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy macadamia nuts, and tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Strawberry Macadamia Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a community potluck picnic. As I walked around, admiring all the delicious dishes spread out on the tables, my eyes landed on a beautiful bowl of vibrant red strawberries mixed with crunchy macadamia nuts. The combination of flavors and textures intrigued me, and I knew I had to find out who had brought this delightful salad.

I made my way over to the owner of the dish, an elderly woman with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins, and she was more than happy to share her recipe with me. As she described how she came up with the idea for the salad, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking shining through.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that she had always loved experimenting with different ingredients and flavors in her kitchen. One day, she had an abundance of strawberries from her garden and a bag of macadamia nuts leftover from a recent trip to Hawaii. She decided to combine the two, along with a few other ingredients, to create a refreshing and unique salad.

She walked me through the steps of making the salad, from slicing the strawberries to toasting the macadamia nuts to preparing the dressing. As she spoke, I could tell that she had a deep understanding of the flavors and how they complemented each other. I was inspired by her creativity and ingenuity, and I couldn't wait to try making the salad myself.

When I got home, I immediately set to work creating my own version of Mrs. Jenkins' Strawberry Macadamia Salad. I followed her instructions carefully, taking my time to ensure that each component was just right. As the salad came together, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. When I took my first bite, I knew I had discovered a new favorite dish.

I made the salad for my family and friends, and it quickly became a hit. The sweet and tangy strawberries paired perfectly with the buttery macadamia nuts, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. The crunch of the nuts added a delightful texture to the salad, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Over the years, I have continued to make Mrs. Jenkins' recipe for Strawberry Macadamia Salad, each time adding my own twist or variation. I have shared the recipe with countless people, passing on the tradition of delicious and inventive cooking that Mrs. Jenkins inspired in me.

As I look back on that fateful day at the potluck picnic, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter with Mrs. Jenkins and her incredible salad. It has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes, a reminder of the joy and creativity that can be found in the kitchen. And every time I make the salad, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the passion she brought to her cooking, inspiring me to continue exploring new flavors and combinations in my own culinary adventures.