### Chelsea's Strawberry Salad Recipe with Poppy Seed Dressing: A Tasteful Summer Dish
#### Introduction
Chelsea's Strawberry Salad is a delightful summer dish that combines sweet strawberries, crisp apples, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. This salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings or as a refreshing side at any meal.
#### Ingredients (For 6 Servings)
- **10 cups** of mixed strawberries, hulled and halved
- **3 medium** red apples, cored and diced
- **1 small** red onion, finely chopped
- **2 tbsp** fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- **2 tbsp** fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- **1/4 cup** unsalted walnuts or pecans, lightly toasted
- **For the Poppy Seed Dressing:**
- **1/3 cup** mayonnaise
- **2 tbsp** red wine vinegar
- **1 tsp** Dijon mustard
- **1/2 tsp** poppy seeds
- **1/4 tsp** salt
- **1/8 tsp** black pepper
#### Instructions
##### Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries and Apples
1. Begin by washing and halving the strawberries, ensuring you remove any hulls.
2. Core the apples and dice them into small pieces.
3. Finely chop the red onion to add a nice crunch.
##### Step 2: Toast Nuts (Optional)
1. Spread walnuts or pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (about 175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
2. Allow the nuts to cool slightly before roughly chopping them.
##### Step 3: Mix the Poppy Seed Dressing
1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Stir in poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
##### Step 4: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large salad bowl, mix together the strawberries, apples, onion, and chopped mint and basil.
2. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
##### Step 5: Add Toasted Nuts
1. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans over the top of the salad.
2. Toss lightly once more if needed.
##### Step 6: Serve
Serve the Chelsea's Strawberry Salad immediately for best flavor and texture. It can also be prepared an hour before serving, but avoid chilling it in the refrigerator too long as the fruit may become watery.
#### Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are cold to help maintain a refreshing crunch.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs won't work well in this recipe.
- Adjust the dressing according to taste – some prefer a bit more or less acidity and sweetness.
#### Conclusion
Chelsea's Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is not just an elegant dish but also a delightful way to showcase the freshness of summer produce. It’s ideal for any occasion, from casual backyard barbecues to formal dinner parties. Enjoy the vibrant combination of sweet strawberries and tangy dressing in this refreshing salad recipe!