Summer Salad with Roast Beef and Strawberries

A fresh summer salad with homemade strawberry dressing

Some of the best summer recipes come from combinations you wouldn't expect.

At first, strawberries and roast beef may seem like an unusual pair. But add crisp greens, a homemade strawberry dressing, and suddenly everything makes perfect sense.

The sweetness of the berries brings out the richness of the beef, while the dressing ties every bite together.

It's the kind of salad that's light enough for a warm afternoon, yet satisfying enough to be a meal on its own. Simple, fresh, and full of summer flavor.

Why You'll Love It

• Sweet and savory in every bite

• Fresh seasonal ingredients

• Homemade strawberry dressing

• Perfect for lunch or a light dinner

• Ready in about 20 minutes

• Easy enough for weekdays, beautiful enough for guests

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Dressing

Makes about 1 cup

• 1 cup fresh strawberries

• 1 garlic clove

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 100 ml extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp sugar (or honey)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad (Serves 1)

• About 3 cups mixed salad greens

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 4-5 slices deli roast beef, torn into bite-sized pieces

Optional: toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

How to Make

Make the Dressing

1. Place the strawberries, garlic, both vinegars, sugar, salt, and pepper in a tall container

2. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth

3. Slowly blend in the olive oil until the dressing is creamy

4. Taste and adjust with more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed. The dressing should have a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors

Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange the salad greens on a large plate or in a shallow bowl

2. Drizzle lightly with the strawberry dressing

3. Top with roast beef and sliced strawberries

4. Spoon a little more dressing over the top

5. Serve immediately

Serving Ideas

• With warm crusty bread

• As a light summer lunch

• Alongside grilled steak

• With a glass of chilled sparkling water or iced tea

A Little Tip

This dressing is delicious beyond this salad. Try it with spinach, grilled chicken, goat cheese, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.