Strawberry Clementine Salad

This Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and colors that brighten any table. Imagine biting into juicy strawberries and sweet clementines, all nestled among crisp, leafy greens. The addition of quick pickled red onions adds a tangy punch, while caramelized pecans bring in a delightful crunch. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side for grilled meats, or a way to impress guests, this salad does it all in style. It’s easy to prepare, yet the presentation makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s get started on this refreshing recipe that will surely become a favorite!

Why This Recipe Works

This Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing is a true delight, merging different textures, bright colors, and complimentary flavors in every bite. The sweetness of ripe strawberries paired with the bright taste of clementines creates a beautiful harmony that’s just hard to resist. Adding the tangy red wine vinegar dressing is like the cherry on top, cutting through the sweetness and elevating the dish to another level. And don’t forget about the crunchy, caramelized pecans. Their rich flavor gives the salad its satisfying texture and makes it a complete experience for your taste buds. Each element enhances the others, making every forkful a little adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

You’re going to love how versatile this salad is! It fits right in at summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a quiet dinner at home. What really shines is how simple it is to put together, allowing you to enjoy a moment with family or friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen. It’s fresh and vibrant, showcasing seasonal fruit that brings a pop of sunshine to your plate. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip it up in no time at all. If you want to impress without the stress, this is the perfect recipe to keep on hand!

Ingredients

For the Quick Pickled Red Onions

• ¾ cup white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

For the Caramelized Pecans

• ¾ cup pecan halves
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Dressing

• 1 medium garlic clove, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup sunflower oil, or your favorite mild flavored oil
• 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Salad

• 8 cups torn, crisp red leaf lettuce
• 4 medium clementines, peeled, halved, and sliced
• 10 medium strawberries, quartered

Preparing the Quick Pickled Red Onions

Start by grabbing a pint-sized jar. Pour the white wine vinegar into the jar, then mix in the sugar and kosher salt. Stir it well until everything dissolves completely. Now, toss in the thinly sliced red onion, making sure they’re fully submerged. If needed, fill the jar with a little water to cover the onions. Secure the lid tightly and give it a gentle shake to mix. Let the jar sit for at least 15 minutes. This quick pickling adds a bright flavor that you’ll love in the salad.

Making the Caramelized Pecans

Next, let’s caramelize the pecans! On a clean work surface, lay down a sheet of parchment paper. In a medium non-stick skillet, combine the pecans, butter, sugar, and kosher salt. Heat it over medium while stirring the mixture constantly with a heat-resistant spatula. As you cook, you’ll notice the sugar melting and coating the pecans. Keep stirring until they reach a lovely golden brown, being careful not to let them burn. Once done, quickly transfer the pecans onto the parchment paper and spread them out to cool. You’ll be tempted to snack on them right away—they’re that good!

Creating the Dressing

Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a jar, place the minced garlic, sugar, sunflower oil, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper. Fasten the lid tightly and shake it vigorously. You want to mix it all together until the sugar dissolves and you achieve a smooth consistency. The dressing should be balanced, providing a delightful tang to the fresh ingredients in your salad.

Assembling the Salad

It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for—putting everything together! In a large bowl, toss the torn red leaf lettuce with a light drizzle of the dressing. This ensures every leaf gets a nice coating of flavor. Next, transfer the dressed greens onto a large serving platter or individual plates. Layer on the quartered strawberries and sliced clementines, then sprinkle the quick pickled red onions over the top. Drizzle a bit more dressing to finish things off and crown the salad with the caramelized pecans. Don’t forget to add a generous grind of black pepper for that final touch!

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Clementine Salad is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or as a zesty side at barbecues and picnics. You might consider adding some crusty bread or a light pasta dish alongside for a fully satisfying meal. The vibrant colors and flavors will surely impress anyone you serve it to!

Tips for Success

• Watch the pecans closely while they caramelize. It’s easy to go from golden brown to burnt quickly.
• If you have extra time, allowing the pickled onions to marinate longer than 15 minutes will deepen the flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the dressing sweetness to your taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar.

Variations

Let’s get creative! Try substituting different greens like arugula or baby spinach to switch up the flavor profile. If you like a creamy element, consider tossing in some crumbled feta or goat cheese—this gives an amazing contrast to the sweet fruit. For those wanting a heartier touch, grilled chicken or shrimp can easily be added to elevate the dish further.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers, store each component in airtight containers separately. The pickled onions can last up to a week in the fridge, maintaining their zesty flavor. However, for the best experience, consume the caramelized pecans within a few days.

Pairing Ideas

Looking for the perfect beverage? This salad pairs nicely with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, a light sparkling water with a splash of citrus will do wonderfully. The salad complements a variety of meats, enhancing any meal’s flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

2. What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work great if you’re after a different nutty flavor.

3. Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use agave syrup instead of sugar in the dressing for a vegan option.

4. How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?
Fresh herbs like mint or basil can be added to take the flavor to a new level.

5. Can I use frozen fruit for the salad?
While fresh is best for texture and taste, thawed frozen fruit can work in a pinch, though it may be softer.

This Strawberry Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that celebrates the best of what summer has to offer. It’s healthy, tasty, and a joy to share. As you prepare this vibrant dish, have fun with the colors and flavors, and don’t forget to share it with those you love!

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