Riviera Strawberry Salad
A fresh, fruity salad featuring strawberries and toasted pecans, tossed with crisp lettuce and sweet poppy seed dressing—perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute pecans in butter until slightly brown.
- Toss the toasted pecans with leaf lettuce and sliced strawberries.
- Add poppy seed dressing and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this salad, consider adding feta cheese or avocado for creaminess. If you're short on time, pre-sliced strawberries can save you some prep work. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. If you prefer a lighter dressing, a balsamic vinaigrette can work well instead of poppy seed dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Riviera Strawberry Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also pairs beautifully with Libby'S Sunny Lemon Cake for dessert. For a more filling dish, consider adding quinoa or grilled shrimp to the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the lettuce crisp, it's best to separate the dressing and pecans from the greens and strawberries until ready to serve. Consume leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Riviera Strawberry Salad contains roughly 2086 calories, with 17g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 217g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While the salad is best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Wash and slice the strawberries, chop the lettuce, and toast the pecans. Just remember to store them separately and mix everything together with the dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of poppy seed dressing?
If you don't have poppy seed dressing, a light vinaigrette works well as a substitute. You can make a simple one with olive oil, vinegar, honey, and mustard. Adjust the ingredients to taste for a balanced flavor that complements the strawberries and pecans.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Riviera Strawberry Salad is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or meat products. It's a great option for those following a vegetarian diet and can be made vegan by using a plant-based butter alternative and ensuring the dressing is vegan-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).