A refreshing way to use those fresh summer berries and incorporating their sweetness into a salad dressing mixed with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
I was saddened to hear that Nora Ephron, director, producer, screenwriter, journalist and author – passed away yesterday. Admittedly, I have yet to read her published works, but I’m no stranger to her movie greats and how she lovingly weaved food references into some of my most favorite movies. A couple of years ago on Teenie Cakes, I made some delectable individual sized Homemade Tiramisu and couldn’t resist quoting a scene from Sleepless In Seattle when Rob Reiner drops the word Tiramisu on Tom Hanks. Some Nora Ephron cinema greats that are on my all-time favorite lists:
When flipping through the myriad of useless cable channels in search of something to watch, who can resist stopping in the middle of these movies to finish watching them through? All those favorite screen moments and maybe having memorized one too many scenes by heart.
Nora Ephron, the loss of a great woman and movie icon.
This is what summer salads are about. Fresh, sweet strawberries adorning a bed of tasty mixed baby greens. Tossed into the salad are walnuts and bits of pungent crumbled feta. The best part is the strawberry dressing you’ve just whipped up. Sprinkle some fresh summer blueberries in this salad to go with those plump, red strawberries. Now, not only are you set with healthful antioxidants – you’ve got a RED, WHITE & BLUE salad!
While I adore feta, I’ve nearly cut the amount of feta used in half from the original recipe. Too much feta overpowers the true stars of the show – which in this case are the strawberries. Go raw! No need to toast the walnuts. I’ve added blueberries as a garnish and later thought it would also be a good addition to toss some into the dressing.
Serve this lively summer fare with a crisp white, like a Pinot Grigio. A good Moscato would be lovely too!
- Decreased the olive oil from 1/2 cup to 6 tablespoons (that’s just slightly more than 1/3 cup). Used extra-virgin olive oil.
- Decreased the amount of feta from 1 1/3 cups to 3/4 cup.
- Addition of fresh blueberries to further liven up the salad are added as garnish. Unless you want a blue salad, don’t mix it in with the salad dressing.
- Adding some smashed blueberries to the salad dressing would be a nice addition too!
- Have leftover roasted chicken or steak? Cut into cubes and top on salad.
- Used raw walnuts.
Serves 2-6
1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
5-ounces mixed baby greens
3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup walnuts (toasting is optional)
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
Mash enough strawberries to measure 1/3 cup. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl. Whisk in the mashed strawberries to complete dressing.
Place remaining strawberries in large bowl. Add the baby greens, feta, and walnuts to the strawberries and gently distribute the ingredients. Add the strawberry dressing to the salad and toss to coat.
Garnish with fresh blueberries.
Can be served as a side salad or main dish.
Melissa@EyesBigger says
such a pretty salad! I always forget she did Julie and Julia but yes, so many of her movies are on my favourites list. I had to make a pilgrimage to Katz deli on my first trip to New York just to see where the pie scene was filmed from When Harry Met Sally. Still makes me smile. Try one of her books – I think you’ll enjoy them.
Cristina says
I will definitely pick up one of her books to read…it’s a must for sure now. What an adorable thing to do, seeking out the Katz deli! I’m going to put that deli on my list the next time I get out to the Big Apple – thanks for mentioning it, Melissa! I just love New York…can’t wait to visit it again {sigh}…
Liren says
Hi Cristina 🙂 Hearing of Nora Ephron’s passing was almost like hearing of the loss of a dear aunt – someone who guided you through life’s lessons. Each of those movies touched me deeply! I too have yet to read her published works, perhaps one day I’ll have time to do so 🙂
Love this salad – I have been so enamored with strawberry dressing – I must try this version, this is my kind of lunch!
Cristina says
You’re right Liren, it’s like the loss of a dear family member who has paved the way and has been a part of so many good memories. You’ll love this salad with the feta, fresh berries and that tasty dressing! 😉
Deb says
A scrumptious summer salad! Easy to prepare, yet full of seasonal flavor. What a tempting way to enjoy fresh strawberries.
Cristina says
The pungent, salty feta is just fantastic with those sweet berries. Thx Deb!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
Looks like a perfect summer salad. Love the addition of blueberries.
Cristina says
Thank you Barbara…strawberries and blueberries just go together – don’t they?! 🙂
RKM says
This looks fantastic! I could eat one of these everday, thanks for sharing this beautiful dish!
Cristina says
You’re sweet, RKM! While these berries are in season, you CAN enjoy this everyday until they’re outta season. 😀
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
I wasn’t aware of the person’s name until Sleepless in Seattle and Julie & Julia. Wow we lost a very talented person. 🙁
Beautiful summer salad with simple balsamic dressing. I always love your pictures – very simple but gorgeous.
Cristina says
Thank you, Nami!! xoxo Have a lovely holiday week!
wok with ray says
Sleepless in Seattle is my favorite. One of my favorite scene was when Annie was stalking Sam (well, in a romantic way) and she got caught in the middle of the road and all they said to each other was “hello.” Sad that we lost Nora. We don’t see this kinds of romantic movies anymore that is also kid friendly, if you know what I mean.
Now, to the salad. You made this salad looks so appetizing and hats off to you my friend for being a very versatile food stylist and photographer. I love how you utilized the lighting to show all the beautiful colors of the salad and of course I love your minimalist style. Have a great weekend, Cristina! 🙂
Cristina says
“Sleepless” was on all weekend. I wonder if it was in honor of Nora Ephron? I only watched it again twice!! You’re so right in that we don’t see that genre of movies anymore that we can call kid-friendly.
Thank you, Ray. I consider this a high-compliment being that both your blog and imagery always raises the bar!
Gamester Boy says
It looks super delicious!! =)
Cristina says
Hello Gamester Boy!! It is “super-duper” delicious! You’ll get a bright, sweet strawberry in every bite! 😀
Linda says
This looks fabulous and I bet it tastes great as well – pinning to make.
Have a lovely day!
Cristina says
Hello and thanks, Linda!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
That salad looks so refreshing! I love incorporating various berries into my savory salads, and this is such a pretty one! I loved Nora Ephron too. If you read none of her other books, you *must* read I Feel Bad About My Neck. If you’re not old enough to fully appreciate it, do share it with the older women in your life–the “women of a certain age”!
Cristina says
Thank you, Jean: I’ve read about Nora’s book that you’ve mentioned. I will definitely put it on my reading list for this summer! 😉
Nessa says
What a beautiful looking salad. Love feta cheese. Looks delicious!
Cristina says
Hi Nessa…doesn’t feta make almost anything, just better? 🙂
Joy says
the salad looks so freshing.
Cristina says
Thank you Joy. It’s a treat of a seasonal salad. 🙂