Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is incredibly refreshing and easy to prepare, yet feels sophisticated and flavorful. The sweetness of strawberries pairs beautifully with tangy goat cheese, while the crunch from nuts and the brightness of the dressing tie everything together. It’s versatile, colorful, and perfect for warm weather or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Mixed greens or spinach
- Goat cheese, crumbled
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Candied pecans or walnuts
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
Start by washing and slicing the strawberries. Prepare the greens by rinsing and drying them thoroughly.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and red onion.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Top with crumbled goat cheese and candied nuts.
Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 2 to 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a complete meal.
Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese for a different tangy flavor.
Swap candied nuts for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a lighter option.
Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best served fresh.
If needed, store the ingredients separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and assemble just before serving.
Avoid adding dressing until ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best, but thawed frozen ones can be used in a pinch.
What greens work best?
Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but assemble just before serving.
What dressing goes best?
A balsamic vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the flavors.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the goat cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon are great additions.
How do I keep the salad crisp?
Keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well.
Are candied nuts necessary?
No, but they add a nice crunch and sweetness.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with fresh ingredients and can be adjusted to your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Strawberry goat cheese salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements in every bite. Whether served as a light meal or a side, it’s a simple yet elegant recipe that’s sure to impress.
PrintStrawberry Goat Cheese Salad
A fresh and vibrant strawberry goat cheese salad with sweet berries, creamy cheese, and crisp greens, finished with a tangy balsamic dressing. Light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens or spinach
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and slice the strawberries, and prepare the greens by rinsing and drying thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, strawberries, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese and candied nuts.
- Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Swap goat cheese with feta for a different flavor.
- Use toasted nuts instead of candied for a lighter option.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Keep dressing separate until serving to avoid soggy greens.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
