Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Remember that one time, I tried making a fancy salad for a picnic? Total disaster! The lettuce wilted, the dressing leaked, and the whole thing just looked…sad. But I learned my lesson: simplicity is key. This Spring Chervil Strawberry Salad is proof. It's elegant, delicious, and comes together in minutes. No wilted lettuce here, promise! My friend, Sarah, once told me a story about how her grandmother used to make a similar salad every spring, using chervil grown right in her garden. It's those little traditions, those simple connections to nature, that make food so special, don't you think? What does this mean for you? It means you can easily whip this up and impress even the toughest food critic (aka your picky uncle).
Chervil, often called 'gourmet parsley', has a delicate anise-like flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries. If you've never tried it, you're in for a treat! It’s not just about the taste, though. It's about embracing the season, using what’s fresh and available. One tip: handle chervil gently; it bruises easily. I once crushed a whole bunch just by carrying it home too enthusiastically! The dressing is a simple vinaigrette that complements rather than overpowers the other ingredients. It's just the right balance of tangy and sweet.
Required Equipments
Salad Bowl
Small Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting Board
Spring Chervil Strawberry Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Spring Chervil Strawberry Salad
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of spring with this refreshing Chervil Strawberry Salad! Combining sweet strawberries, delicate chervil, and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is a burst of freshness in every bite—perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a delightful addition to any spring gathering.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Gently wash and dry 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Remove the stems and slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Set aside in a large salad bowl.
Carefully wash and dry 1/2 cup of fresh chervil leaves. Chervil is delicate, so handle it gently to avoid bruising. Roughly chop the chervil and add it to the salad bowl with the strawberries.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Pour the vinaigrette over the strawberries and chervil. Gently toss the salad to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the strawberries mushy.
If desired, add 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese for a creamy and tangy element. Alternatively, sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds for added crunch.
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you need to prepare it in advance, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
For an extra touch, garnish with a few whole chervil sprigs or edible flowers, such as pansies or violets. These add a beautiful visual appeal and enhance the overall presentation.
Consider adding a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and visual contrast. They complement the sweetness of the strawberries and the herbal notes of the chervil beautifully.
📝 Notes
For a vegan version, omit the honey and use maple syrup instead. Also, skip the goat cheese or use a vegan alternative.
If you can't find chervil, you can substitute it with fresh tarragon or a combination of parsley and anise seeds.