California Salad Recipe
If you crave a vibrant bowl full of California sunshine, this California Salad is about to steal your heart! Every forkful is a balance of creamy avocado, juicy strawberries, crisp greens, tangy feta, and crunchy toasted almonds, all tied together with a sweet-tart balsamic vinaigrette. It’s fresh, colorful, and makes healthy eating truly irresistible—whether you’re throwing together a quick weekday lunch or dazzling friends at a summer potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making California Salad is that you don’t need complex ingredients—just fresh, quality picks that work together to create something totally special. Each item brings its own pop of flavor, crunch, or color, so trust the process and savor every combination!
- Mixed salad greens: The leafy foundation gives your bowl plenty of body and a mix of textures from tender to crisp.
- Avocado, sliced: Creamy avocado brings luxe richness that’s classic for any authentic California Salad.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweet-tart flavor add juiciness and vibrant color.
- Sliced cucumber: Cool and refreshing, cucumber keeps things light and adds that satisfying crunch.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Just a touch of sharpness really perks up every bite—so slice it extra thin for subtle zing.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, tangy, and creamy, feta is the perfect contrast against the sweet and fresh elements.
- Toasted sliced almonds: Add warmth, nutty crunch, and irresistible aroma—don’t skip toasting them briefly!
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Sweet strawberries are the signature, giving this salad its unique California twist.
- Olive oil: High-quality olive oil makes the dressing luscious and helps everything come together.
- Balsamic vinegar: The rich, syrupy tanginess turns the vinaigrette into a highlight of every forkful.
- Honey: Just a hint softens the acidity and lets the salad’s other flavors shine brighter.
- Salt and pepper: Enhance every ingredient and balance the sweet-salty-tangy profile effortlessly.
How to Make California Salad
Step 1: Build the Salad Base
Start by grabbing your biggest salad bowl—it’s time to layer up the goodness! Add your mixed salad greens first, creating a pillowy bed that’ll catch all the colorful toppings. Next, scatter over the avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. You’ll see the makings of a California Salad masterpiece come to life with every ingredient.
Step 2: Add Cheese, Fruit, and Crunch
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the veggies, letting its creamy saltiness melt into every nook and cranny. Nestle the sliced strawberries on top for pops of sweetness, then finish with those irresistible toasted sliced almonds. This step is where texture and flavor really start to shine!
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—the flavors of California Salad should sing with a lovely balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the freshly made vinaigrette over the salad, making sure to hit as many surface areas as you can. Gently (key word: gently!) toss everything together, so every bite gets just the right amount of flavor without bruising the beautiful avocado or breaking up the feta. Serve straight away and soak up the admiring glances!
How to Serve California Salad
Garnishes
Adding a final flourish makes your California Salad simply irresistible. Try another sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra crunch, a few more crumbles of feta for that tangy pop, or even a drizzle of honey if you prefer a hint more sweetness. For a touch of color, a handful of microgreens or torn fresh basil leaves will make each bowl look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
California Salad pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Serve it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal. It’s also wonderful with crusty sourdough bread, a bowl of chilled soup, or as a refreshing contrast to rich, cheesy pastas. Let the salad’s bright flavors complement whatever’s on the menu.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your California Salad into a showstopper by plating individual portions in wide shallow bowls to showcase all the toppings. For parties, try serving the components in a build-your-own salad bar style, or layer everything in a clear trifle dish for a stunning visual effect. You can even pile the salad onto avocado halves for a fun and portable presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover California Salad, simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the greens and avocado are at their peak when eaten freshly tossed. If possible, store dressing separately to maintain that fresh crunch.
Freezing
California Salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t take kindly to freezing. The delicate greens and creamy avocado can lose their texture and vibrant color when thawed. Instead, try prepping your toppings in advance and keeping them chilled—then assemble just before serving!
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve added grilled chicken or another protein, simply reheat the protein separately, then add it to your cold salad for the best contrast in temperature and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different cheese for feta in California Salad?
Absolutely! Goat cheese brings a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that works beautifully. For something milder, try soft mozzarella or leave out cheese altogether for a vegan option and sprinkle roasted seeds instead.
What other fruits work well in California Salad?
While strawberries are a classic choice, feel free to swap in seasonal fruits like juicy peaches, sweet mandarin oranges, blueberries, or even sliced mango for a fun twist. Freshness is key—let your farmers market inspire you!
How can I make California Salad more filling?
If you want a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. A scoop of quinoa or farro also turns it into a substantial lunch bowl.
Is California Salad suitable for meal prep?
It can be, with a few tweaks! Store the greens and toppings separately from the dressing and avocado to keep everything crisp. Assemble and dress just before serving for maximum freshness.
What’s the best way to toast almonds for this recipe?
Simply scatter sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking occasionally until they’re golden and fragrant—just a few minutes will do the trick! Keep a close eye so they don’t burn, and let them cool before sprinkling onto your California Salad.
Final Thoughts
Give this California Salad a try and watch it become your go-to for effortless freshness and flavor. It’s colorful, wholesome, and such a joy to share with friends and family. Whether you stick with the classic or put your spin on it, you’re in for something truly delicious. Enjoy!
Print
California Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful California Salad featuring mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, strawberries, feta cheese, and almonds, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Mixed Salad Greens
- 4 cups
Avocado
- 1, sliced
Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 cup, halved
Cucumber
- 1/2 cup, sliced
Red Onion
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
Feta Cheese
- 1/2 cup, crumbled
Toasted Sliced Almonds
- 1/4 cup
Fresh Strawberries
- 1/2 cup, sliced
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons
Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon
Honey
- 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper
- To taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, strawberries, feta cheese, and almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Berries can be swapped with seasonal fruits like peaches or mandarin oranges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
