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    Home » Recipes » Grateful Grazer

    Published: Jun 23, 2021 · Modified: Sep 28, 2021 by Stephanie McKercher, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas and Mozzarella

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Top image shows salad ingredients in separate portions on a white plate. Bottom image is of the finished strawberry salad with mozzarella and chickpeas. Text in the middle reads, "Easy Strawberry Mozzarella Salad."
    Overhead image of a Summer Strawberry Salad with mozzarella and chickpeas. Text reads, "Easy Strawberry Salad."
    Strawberry Salad on a white plate with text reading, "strawberry salad with chickpeas and mozzarella."

    For a fuss-free, five-minute meal for one, try this no-cook Summer Strawberry Salad with chickpeas, mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing.

    The best summer meals are simple, colorful, and don't require turning on the oven. Bonus points if lunch and dinner are ready in less than 15 minutes. (Nobody wants to spend all day in the kitchen when you could be out on the patio!)

    This Summer Strawberry Salad checks off all of the above boxes for a convenient and crave-worthy seasonal meal.

    Overhead image of a Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas, Mozzarella, and Balsamic Dressing on a white plate.

    The salad itself is a simple mixture of four satisfying ingredients: juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella, protein-packed chickpeas, and fresh basil. It's tossed with a quick and pantry-friendly balsamic dressing (just olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and black pepper) that you could always prep in advance if you want to further uncomplicate things on the day of.

    The recipe is short on ingredients but still packed full of flavor and nutrients. Make this Summer Strawberry Salad with balsamic dressing for a quick and easy solo meal, or split it up into a couple of portions for an easy, breezy side dish to serve with bean burgers or grilled tofu.

    Horizontal image of a Summer Strawberry Salad on a white plate.

    Grocery List

    Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this strawberry salad at home.

    Fresh Produce:

    • Strawberries
    • Basil

    Pantry Staples:

    • Canned chickpeas
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Maple syrup
    • Pepper

    Refrigerated Ingredients:

    • Fresh mozzarella balls
    Chickpeas, strawberries, mozzarella, and basil sectioned off on a white plate.

    Summary

    Time needed: 5 minutes.

    How to Make a Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas and Mozzarella

    1. Whisk the balsamic dressing.

      Mix together the dressing ingredients.

    2. Combine the salad ingredients.

      Mix the strawberries, chickpeas, mozzarella, and basil.

    3. Toss the salad with the dressing.

      Pour the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss.

    Sliced strawberries, mozzarella, chickpeas, and basil on a white plate.

    Instructions

    This strawberry salad starts with a homemade balsamic dressing. Don't feel intimidated if you're used to bottled dressings from the store. This balsamic vinaigrette is super simple to make and you probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry.

    To mix the dressing, add extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and a little black pepper to a bowl or jar. Whisk the ingredients with a fork or a whisk until they're evenly combined. If you're making this in a jar, you can also just screw on the lid and shake the jar to mix the ingredients.

    The best thing about homemade salad dressings is that you can taste and adjust the ingredients until your tastebuds are satisfied. Feel free to add more vinegar if you want a little more zippiness, pour in another splash of maple syrup to make the dressing sweeter, or toss in some salt if you think it needs it. (Keep in mind that the strawberries naturally add some sweetness and the mozzarella provides some saltiness to the salad once it's all complete.)

    Next, set aside the dressing and start combining the salad ingredients. Mix together the sliced strawberries, chickpeas, mozzarella, and basil.

    Finally, drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss until the ingredients are evenly coated.

    Summer Strawberry Salad with chickpeas, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic dressing on a white plate.

    Meal Prep and Storage

    To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the salad as directed and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep this Summer Strawberry Salad in the fridge for up to five days. It's great for an easy meal prep lunch during the week!

    Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas and Mozzarella in a glass meal prep container.

    Nutrition Highlights

    • This vegetarian salad is high in protein, with 19 grams per entree serving.
    • Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and they also contain fiber.
    • Chickpeas are a member of the pulse family, which is rich in fiber and plant-based protein.

    Best Recipes to Serve With:

    If you want to make this strawberry salad as a side dish, try it alongside one of these easy summer meals.

    • Chimichurri Grilled Tofu Skewers
    • Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Burgers
    • Grilled Poblano Corn Mac and Cheese
    • Tomato Mozzarella Sandwiches with Blueberry Balsamic Reduction
    • Crispy Eggplant BLT with Harissa Mayo
    Overhead image of a strawberry mozzarella salad with a fork on a white plate.

    Frequently Asked Questions for This Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas and Mozzarella

    Is this strawberry salad gluten-free?

    This recipe is naturally gluten-free. As always, check all packaged ingredients to confirm they don't contain gluten if necessary.

    Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

    This salad can be prepped up to five days in advance.

    Could you substitute a different salad dressing?

    Try this salad with lemon tahini dressing or another vinaigrette if desired.

    How can you make this strawberry salad vegan?

    To make this recipe vegan, omit the mozzarella or substitute it with tofu or nut-based cheese instead.

    Is this salad best as an entree or a side dish?

    Because this salad is made with filling ingredients like chickpeas and mozzarella, you can easily serve it on its own for lunch or dinner. Alternatively, you can also break it into two or more portions and serve it alongside grilled tofu or fish as a side dish.

    📖 Recipe

    Summer Strawberry Salad with chickpeas, mozzarella, and basil on a white plate.

    Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas and Mozzarella

    Sliced strawberries, chickpeas, mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in tangy balsamic dressing.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Save Saved! Rate
    Course: dinner, lunch, Salad
    Cuisine: summer, vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 person
    Calories: 470kcal
    Author: Stephanie McKercher, RDN

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowls

    Ingredients

    Balsamic Dressing:

    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

    Salad:

    • 1 cup sliced strawberries
    • ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 2 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
    • ¼ fresh basil leaves, torn if large

    Instructions

    Prepare the dressing:

    • Whisk extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and pepper. Set aside.

    Prepare the salad:

    • Mix strawberries, chickpeas, mozzarella, and basil.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until the salad is evenly coated.

    Notes

    Storage: Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
     
    Serves one as an entree or two as a side dish. Nutrition facts are based on one entree serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 84.8g | Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 36.5g | Protein: 19.2g | Fat: 29.1g | Saturated Fat: 9.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14.2g | Cholesterol: 44.9mg | Sodium: 521.7mg | Potassium: 403.2mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 16.3g | Vitamin A: 199.8IU | Vitamin C: 90.5mg | Calcium: 364.7mg | Iron: 1.9mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention @GratefulGrazer or tag #gratefulgrazer.

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    1. Jenny says

      June 07, 2022 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      I loved this easy salad! I had it for dinner, and again the next day for lunch. I think it was even better the 2nd day. I'm really enjoying your blog! I am an empty nester and have come hate cooking for myself. (But I love good food).Your ideas are so simple, fresh and tasty that encourages me to eat healthier. Thank you Stephanie!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        June 07, 2022 at 5:50 pm

        Hi Jenny, I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe and that you're finding my blog helpful. Thank you for the comment and rating! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Laura says

      May 18, 2022 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      This is so yummy and easy! I tripled the recipe and didn't even have leftovers! I'll definitely make it again!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        May 18, 2022 at 8:35 am

        Thanks, Laura! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. 🙂

        Reply

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    Hello! My name is Stephanie. I'm a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and cookbook author. Here on Grateful Grazer, you'll find easy, plant-forward recipes, vegetarian nutrition information, and approachable guides to meal planning and prep.

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