Flavor sparks out of this Summer Strawberries, Basil, and Parmesan with Greens (Gluten Free) salad! With fresh, ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and parmesan shavings it’s sure to hit the mark!
We are all trying to eat more greens, right? One of the ways I follow this plan is to add lots of yummy and varied ingredients to my salads. It keeps them from being mundane or boring. It leaves me wanting more fresh vegetables! Is this something you do also?
I’m always trying to come up with new combinations of flavors. The basil and the parmesan just go together for me. But the strawberries and basil are equally as delicious in this Summer Strawberries, Basil, and Parmesan with Greens (Gluten Free) salad.
Summer flavors and fresh summer ingredients
Aren’t the strawberries so much sweeter in the summer? We are lucky to have them year round here, but the summer ones are so much tastier!
Now, we’ve made a salad that focuses on the sweet summer basil and the sweet summer strawberries. Together with the nutty and sharp flavored parmesan, it’s sure to be a favorite salad!
On the other hand, you can still make this Summer Strawberries, Basil, and Parmesan with Greens (Gluten Free) salad in the winter. However, the flavors may not be quite as bold as making it when the berries are the ripest.
How can a salad not be gluten free, you ask?
Several things can attribute a salad containing gluten: a dressing, the vinegar that’s used, flavorings in the dressing, coloring, or emulsifiers. Even cheeses and nuts can contain amounts of gluten (in the processing for nuts, mostly, although candied and seasoned nuts may also contain gluten).
To make sure there is no gluten, always check the allergen label on these products. I do not eat nuts or beans (or anything) processed where wheat or gluten is processed. This does mean that some nuts may be difficult to find for safe consumption. Pine nuts are one such nut which seems to be processed where wheat or gluten containing products are processed.
In regards to vinegars, check the label to see if the vinegar contains gluten. If it’s not on the label, always check the website for the product. Apple cider vinegar is most often gluten free. Marukan rice vinegars are gluten free, as well. Balsamic vinegars that aren’t flavored are generally gluten free.
Typically, though, vinegars or oils which are flavored may contain gluten. Colorings as well, such as caramel coloring, may be made from a wheat or gluten containing ingredient.
Often supermarkets may offer information on the product to determine if it is gluten free. As well, I often check the product website to confirm.
Colavita White Balsamic Vinegar 2 count is a white balsamic which is gluten free. Using a balsamic in the dressing is an option also. However, the flavor of the white balsamic is generally softer and will allow for a prettier coloring from the strawberries.
Summer Strawberries, Basil, and Parmesan with Greens (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 5 oz spring mix or mixed lettuces
- 4-5 oz strawberries, cleaned and sliced
- 7-8 Jacobs Farm Del Cabo Edible and Organic flowers or homegrown, rinsed and dried optional – try nastursium, marigold, snapdragon, pansies, or geraniums
- 7-8 leaves fresh basil, large leaves washed and dried, rolled together and then sliced thinly, or torn
- 1 carrot, peeled, thin peels or fine julienne cut
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios, or roasted and salted, gf chopped, to top
Sweet Strawberry Dressing
- 2 teaspoon finely minced shallot
- 4 tbsp white balsamic or rice vinegar, gf
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 strawberries, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- pinch of salt
- thyme leaves
Instructions
- To a large bowl or divided between individual salad plates or bowls, add the spring mix, sliced strawberries, basil, and edible flowers. Toss together a bit. Add the carrots in a pile or a small mound on each salad, then parmesan shavings or cheese to the top, followed by the pistachios. Drizzle with the Sweet Strawberry Dressing or serve alongside.
Sweet Strawberry Dressing
- Add all the ingredients together in a jar with a lid and shake well. Or add to a glass measure and whisk together until combined.
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