Summer is here and it’s time to savor the flavors of the season! This Strawberry Mint Salad is a delicious dish to serve for lunch or on a buffet! I love the tart berries and goat cheese mixed with the sweet crunch of the candied pecans. The strawberry vinaigrette and mint add a fresh flavor that screams summer to me. The Butter Toffee Pecans are delicious and you will have plenty left over to enjoy later. The presentation is pretty too! You can find more fun salads here and here!
Serving Size: Serves 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
1 pound of lettuce mix
1 pint of strawberries
1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup of goat cheese crumbles
1/2 cup of candied pecans
For the Butter Toffee Pecans:
2 sticks of butter
3/4 cup of brown sugar
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
3 cups of pecans
3 tablespoons of water
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:
8 ounces of fresh strawberries
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
Instructions:
For the Butter Toffee Pecans:
Set aside a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
In a medium pan, melt the butter.
Add the sugar and water, and whisk to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Continue to let the mixture cook.
Use a candy thermometer to bring the mixture to 305 degrees.
Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the baking soda and the pecans.
Transfer the coated pecans to the lined baking sheet.
Separate the pecans with a fork and let them cool.
Store in an airtight container when fully cooled.
For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:
Add the strawberries to a food processor.
Pour in the olive oil, vinegar, and honey.
Pulse the mixture until the berries and thoroughly incorporated.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to a mason jar for serving.
For the Salad:
Wash the greens, mint, and strawberries.
Arrange the greens on the platter.
Cap and quarter the strawberries.
Evenly distribute the strawberries on the greens.
Do the same with the Butter Toffee Pecans.
Top the salad with goat cheese and mint leaves.
Serve with the Strawberry Vinaigrette on the side.
