It’s strawberry season, and people up and down the length of California are celebrating this luscious fruit. Whether in fresh pies, ice creams, shortcakes, or dipped in chocolate, everyone has their favorite pairing. The Oaks at Ojai are celebrating with a new salad and salad dressing that highlight the diversity of the strawberry—as a savory addition to your favorite salad.
We’re combining this new dressing with a salad of fresh baby arugula (for a little bite), new crop Haas avocado, toasted almonds and, of course, fresh strawberries. As simple as can be:
- 1 cup strawberries, cut up
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil, minced
Combine the above three ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into a small container, add and stir well:
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp finely minced green onion or shallots
- A pinch of black pepper
This will make approximately 1½ cups of dressing—24 tablespoons. Refrigerate until you use it up. Add a little grilled chicken to your mix for a wonderful summer entrée.
With only 25 calories per tablespoon, you can enjoy this dressing all through the season! And, it’s a great use for strawberries that have reached their peak!
