Strawberry salad

Strawberry salad with mint and vanilla

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

General Description
Strawberry salad is a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing accompaniment to festive meals. Strawberries, with their tart-sweet flavor, combine perfectly with fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon, creating a burst of flavors that will indulge your senses. This simple recipe is not only easy to make, it's also a great way to add a splash of freshness to your menu.

Brief history
Throughout time, fruit salads have been prized in many cultures as a way to bring together different flavors and textures. Strawberries, with their rich history of cultivation, have been prized not only for their sweet taste but also for their nutritional benefits. This strawberry salad, enriched with simple ingredients, is a modern reinterpretation of the tradition of combining the fruit with aromatic herbs.

Ingredients
- 1 kg ripe strawberries (choose firm strawberries with a deep red color)
- A few fresh mint leaves (make sure they are fresh and green)
- A sachet of vanilla sugar (or regular sugar with a vanilla pod)
- A tablespoon of honey (preferably floral for a delicate flavor)
- Juice of one lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- A pinch of cinnamon (this adds a flavorful contrast)
- A tablespoon of orange juice (for a citrus touch)

Preparation techniques
1. Preparing the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries well under running cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities. Use a sharp knife to remove the green part, then cut each strawberry in half lengthwise. This technique not only helps to show off the strawberries, but also allows the sauce to better penetrate the fruit.

2. Making the dressing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, honey, vanilla sugar, orange juice and cinnamon. Mix well until honey and sugar are completely dissolved. This dressing will add a natural sweetness and balanced acidity to your salad.

3. Mint addition: Finely chop a few fresh mint leaves. Mint will not only add a vibrant look to your salad, but it will also bring a refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the strawberries.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped strawberries, prepared dressing and chopped mint. Stir gently to avoid crushing the strawberries, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour. This step is essential! Lower temperatures allow the flavors to combine and intensify, and the salad will taste much better.

Serving
Once the chilling time has passed, remove the strawberry salad from the fridge. You can serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter. For an elegant look, garnish with fresh mint leaves and, if you like, a few coconut flakes or chopped walnuts for added texture.

Tips and variations
- Sweeten: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more honey or alternatively use agave syrup.
- Added fruits: This recipe allows for many variations. You can add other fruits such as raspberries or blackberries to create a mixed fruit salad.
- Citrus: Experiment with different citrus juices, such as lime juice or grapefruit juice, for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber, and are great for the immune system and digestive health. Peppermint, on the other hand, is known to improve digestion and leave you feeling refreshed.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
It is preferable to use fresh strawberries, but if you don't have any, frozen strawberries can be used. Be sure to let them thaw completely before preparation.

2. Can I add yogurt?
Yes! You can add Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein. It's a great option for a healthy breakfast or snack.

3. What drinks go with this salad?
Strawberry salad pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a refreshing gin-based cocktail. An iced tea with lemon and mint will also complement the meal perfectly.

All in all, strawberry salad is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that can be customized to your preferences. Indulge yourself or your guests with this delicious recipe that will bring a touch of joy and freshness to any meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of well-ripened strawberries - a few mint leaves - a packet of vanilla sugar - a tablespoon of honey - the juice of one lemon - a pinch of cinnamon - a tablespoon of orange juice