Strawberry Basil Salad – Main Dish or Side
This strawberry basil salad can be dressed up as a main dish or kept simple as a side salad. To make it a full satisfying meal, I added chicken and soba noodles.
Also try: Thai Power Bowl with Almond Butter Dressing, Wheat berry Saskatoon Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad
Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat and are a gluten free whole grain (despite the name, it is not related to wheat at all, it is actually related to sorrel and rhubarb). Buckwheat is one of the few plant sources that is a complete protein, it contains all 9 essential amino acids). If you are gluten intolerant, read the ingredient list carefully as some soba noodles may include wheat flour.
The key to great soba noodles is not to overcook them. Follow the package instructions and test the noodles toward the end of the cooking time. It should only take about 7 to 8 minutes to cook them. When using cold, like in this salad, rinse them well with running cold water to prevent them from sticking.
On their own, they are not very flavorful. But in salads or stir-fries, soba noodles easily absorb flavor and are very tasty.
Soba Noodle Alternative
If you don’t have soba noodles but love the added texture, fibre and fullness they add you can swap in any whole grain. Try buckwheat groats like shown below.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
The white balsamic vinaigrette is pretty fancy, I know not everyone will have white balsamic vinegar in their cupboard. It’s not something I would typically reach for – but I’m telling you, after the first time I tried it, I was hooked. It’s sweet, tangy and so flavourful. I also love dark balsamic vinegar and it would be an excellent subsitute in this recipe, but the white version keeps the salad looking bright and pretty.
Another alternative would be a light vinegar like white wine vinegar, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar with added sugar or honey. Use 1 Tbsp vinegar +1/2 tsp sugar or honey.
As always, taste and adjust as desired.
Fresh Basil
Basil and strawberries are delicious together. Give it a try! If you’re growing basil, chances are you’ll have some basil trimmings at the time local strawberries are in season. Use those trimmings in this salad.
You’ll see a fancy French term in the recipe – chiffonade. Quite simply it means you stack flat leaves, roll them like a cigar and then slice the roll into thin strips. Here’s a short video showing you how.
Strawberry Basil Salad Recipe
Strawberry Basil Salad
Ingredients
- 6 – 8 cups fresh salad greens
- 1-2 cups cooked soba noodles or other whole grain
- 1-2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1-2 cups cooked chicken
- 5-6 basil leaves chiffonade (sliced in strips)
- 1-2 Tbsp hemp seeds optional
Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar *
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry salad greens.
- Arrange on a large platter or plate.
- Arrange soba noodles and chicken, if using, on top of greens.
- Spread strawberries and goat cheese on top of salad greens.
- Sprinkle basil leaves on top.
- Serve salad dressing on the side for each person to add as they wish.
Vinaigrette
- Make vinaigrette by pouring all ingredients in a screw top jar and shaking vigorously. Taste and adjust to your liking. Because all balsamic vinegar is different, you may want to add a little more honey to sweeten your dressing.
Notes
Instead of white balsamic vinegar use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar with a little more honey. Taste and adjust to suit your preference. Use buckwheat or other whole grains in place of soba noodles.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Arrange and Serve
I like arranging salads like this on a large platter rather than tossing it in a bowl. It looks so much prettier and you don’t have all the lovely toppings sink to the bottom. This way, everyone gets a fair share of toppings, gets to add as much dressing as they like and gets to enjoy your master piece.
More Full Meal Salad Options
For another strawberry salad option, consider this Strawberry Spinach Salad.
For other whole grain salad options check out these salads.
I’d love to see your version of this Strawberry Basil Salad. Please take a photo, post it on Instagram and tag @getgettys so I can see it and like it!
Sign up to get articles by Getty delivered to your inbox. You’ll get recipes, practical tips and great food information like this. Getty is a Professional Home Economist, speaker and writer putting good food on tables and agendas. She is the author of Manitoba’s best-selling Prairie Fruit Cookbook, Founder of Fruit Share, a mom and veggie gardener.