Strawberry Salad With Black Pepper-Feta Croutons

There’s a time in every cook’s life when they discover ripe, juicy strawberries paired with spicy, freshly ground black pepper. The combination might sound peculiar at first to the uninitiated, but the wow factor holds true. While the dynamic duo is often used in sweet preparations, strawberry and black pepper thrive together in savory dishes too. In this recipe, strawberries are macerated in vinegar, salt, and a touch of honey to pull out their natural juices, creating a fruity base for a punchy sweet vinaigrette.

The real stars of this show are the big cubes of breaded and pan-fried feta, which turn into creamy-meets-crunchy, mouthwatering nuggets of joy in every bite. Try to buy feta stored in its brine (it’s more flavorful than the vacuum-sealed stuff) and give it a good pat dry to ensure the panko breading preserves its crispy-crunchy texture. —Elena Besser