Spring Strawberry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This strawberry arugula salad features herbs used like lettuce, while the juices from macerated strawberries form the dressing. Ready in under 15 minutes.

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Think of fresh herbs as more than a garnish—treated like lettuce they transform this salad. The basil and mint combine with peppery arugula to create bright, layered flavor.

The actual dressing is the syrupy juice that forms when ripe strawberries are macerated with honey, lemon zest and lemon juice, then finished with a drizzle of good olive oil. The result is simultaneously sweet, tangy and savory.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, firm berries with no mushy spots—your strawberry juices become the dressing.
• Arugula: Baby or wild arugula both work.
• Basil: Fresh basil adds aroma; avoid refrigerating it to keep leaves bright.
• Fresh mint: Use perky dark-green leaves for best flavor.
• Honey (or maple syrup to make it vegan).
• Lemon zest and juice to add brightness and aroma.
• Olive oil and sea or kosher salt for finishing.

How to make a strawberry arugula salad

Step 1: Slice strawberries and macerate them

Hull and slice the strawberries, then place them in a bowl. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and honey, stir to combine, and let them macerate for about 10 minutes until the berries release their juices.

Step 2: Combine the arugula and herbs

Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Tear basil and mint into bite-sized pieces (small leaves can remain whole). Gently toss the herbs with the arugula using your hands.

Step 3: Assemble the salad and serve

Top the greens with the macerated strawberries, making sure to drizzle all of the juices over the salad so they act as the dressing. Finish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and serve immediately.

Tips and substitutions

• Use the freshest, sweetest strawberries you can find; their natural juices are key.
• Make this salad just before serving to prevent wilting—don’t assemble too far in advance.
• Choose a flavorful olive oil; it contributes noticeably to the overall taste.
• If you prefer other herbs, cilantro, parsley or tarragon are good alternatives.
• To make the recipe vegan, replace honey with maple syrup.

Additional topping ideas

The salad is excellent as written, but you can add:

• Crumbled goat cheese or feta for creaminess.
• Raw or candied nuts for crunch.
• Grilled chicken or baked salmon to add protein.

When to serve a strawberry arugula salad

• A light, bright side dish alongside roast chicken, baked fish, or pulled pork.
• Great for summer meals, picnics and casual entertaining.

More strawberry recipes

• Try a simple strawberry compote for topping yogurt, toast or pancakes.
• Strawberries also work beautifully in refreshing cocktails and punches.

Recipe