Wash the strawberries in a bowl of cold water: fill the bowl, gently stir with your hand, and let sit for 1 minute. Then transfer to a sieve and let drain for 2-3 minutes. Pat dry individual fruits with a paper towel so that the dressing does not dilute the salad.
Description
A light, summer salad combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the peppery touch of arugula and the creamy texture of Korycin cheese. A dish inspired by Polish flavors and seasonality - perfect for a long weekend, picnic, or light dinner. The contrast of the sweet and sour dressing with honey and balsamic vinegar makes the salad both refreshing and satisfying. Serve as an appetizer or a side dish to grilled poultry, or as a standalone dish for those watching their figure; visually appealing with red strawberries, green arugula leaves, and white pieces of Korycin cheese.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (11)
- Strawberry 400 g
- Arugula 120 g
- Koryciński cheese 200 g
- Rapeseed oil 30 g
- Balsamic vinegar 20 ml
- Honey 20 ml
- Lemon 0.6 pcs (~50 g)
- 🌿 Spices
- Salt 1 g
- Black pepper 2 pinch (~1 g)
- ✨ Optional
- Walnuts 40 g
- Fresh basil 0.3 bunch (~10 g)
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Preparation steps
Preparation of ingredients
Remove the stems from the strawberries: cut off the green part with a sharp knife. If the strawberries are medium or larger, cut them in half or quarters so that the pieces are similar in size to the arugula leaves.
Rinse the arugula under running water, moving the leaves around and turning them. Dry the arugula in a salad spinner for 20-30 seconds or gently pat it dry with a paper towel, spreading the leaves out individually to avoid crushing them.
Cut or crumble the Koryciński cheese into uneven bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). If the cheese is very moist, drain the excess moisture with a paper towel.
If you are adding walnuts (optional), toast them in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly darken. Once removed from the heat, let them cool and chop finely.
Dressing
In a small bowl, pour in the rapeseed oil (30 ml), balsamic vinegar (20 ml), add honey (20 g) and the juice of half a lemon (squeezed from a 50 g lemon). Add salt (1 g) and pepper (1 g). Whisk vigorously with a whisk or fork for 20-30 seconds until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly emulsified.
Assembly
In a large bowl, gently mix the arugula (120 g) with half of the dressing — drizzle 2/3 of the prepared dressing and gently shake the bowl or use two salad spatulas to ensure the leaves are evenly coated without breaking them. Add the prepared strawberries (400 g) and pieces of koryciński cheese (200 g). Add the remaining dressing only if the salad seems dry.
Finishing and serving
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or portion it onto plates. Optionally sprinkle with toasted walnuts (40 g) and scatter fresh basil leaves (10 g). Drizzle with a little of the remaining dressing if you want a glossy appearance. Serve immediately to keep the arugula fresh and crunchy.
Final tips
If you are preparing the salad in advance (up to 2 hours before serving), combine the arugula with the strawberries and keep the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the dressing and cheese just before serving to prevent the leaves from wilting. The salad is best served fresh.
Fun Fact
Koryciński cheese is a traditional Polish cheese with regional roots from the areas of Podlasie and Podkarpacie; its creamy texture perfectly contrasts with juicy fruits, making it an excellent partner for strawberries.
Best for
Tips
Serve the chilled salad on a large, light-colored plate to highlight the color contrast. Grilled chicken breast or a piece of crusty whole grain bread pairs perfectly as an accompaniment. For a heartier version, add cooked millet or spelt.
It's best to eat the salad right away. If there's leftover dressing, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days; shake well before use. The composed salad (arugula + strawberries + cheese) can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but the arugula may wilt slightly. Keep the nuts separate and add them before serving.
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