Description
Fresh, sweet, and irresistibly vibrant, this strawberry salad is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Juicy berries, peppery greens, creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette come together in a dish that’s simple yet unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a summer gathering or turning it into a main with a bit of grilled chicken, this salad will quickly become a staple in your seasonal rotation. It’s light, colorful, and easy to customize with what’s in season or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients
- 5–6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the greens. Spread on a platter or bowl.
- Slice strawberries and layer over the greens.
- Add thinly sliced red onion evenly across the salad.
- Crumble goat cheese on top.
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often. Let cool slightly.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts over the salad.
- Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Drizzle over salad just before serving and toss gently, or serve dressing on the side.
Notes
For a sweeter version, use candied pecans.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this into a main dish.
Swap goat cheese for feta or vegan cheese depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: No -cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 salad
- Calories: 280