If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delightful dish, the Spring Salad with Goat Cheese and Strawberries Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad combines the peppery bite of mixed greens with the juicy sweetness of strawberries and the creamy tang of goat cheese, all perfectly balanced with crunchy pecans and a luscious balsamic dressing. It’s a wonderful celebration of spring’s best flavors, coming together in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, crunch, or creaminess that make the dish truly special. You won’t need a long list—just a few simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create a symphony of tastes and textures.
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach or arugula): The vibrant base providing a fresh, slightly peppery bite.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: Juicy sweetness that brightens every forkful.
- 1 medium cucumber, diced: Adds refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a sharp, slightly spicy note mellowed by soaking.
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled: Creamy tang that balances the strawberries perfectly.
- ¼ cup pecan halves, toasted: Adds a nutty crunch to contrast the tender greens and cheese.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette: The finishing touch; a sweet and tangy dressing that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
How to Make Spring Salad with Goat Cheese and Strawberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Start by rinsing your mixed greens under cold water to remove any grit, then spin them dry. Clean, crisp leaves are essential here because they serve as the fresh canvas that lets all other ingredients shine.
Step 2: Prep the Goat Cheese
Take your creamy goat cheese and crumble it into small, manageable pieces. This will allow the tangy flavor and smooth texture to distribute evenly throughout the salad, providing delightful bursts with every bite.
Step 3: Slice the Strawberries
Hull and slice your fresh strawberries into thin, even pieces. Their bright red color and juicy sweetness are both a visual and flavor highlight that elevates this salad to something truly special.
Step 4: Dice the Cucumber
Dice the cucumber into half-moon shapes or small chunks, whichever you prefer. This adds a refreshing, cool crunch that balances the softness of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the strawberries.
Step 5: Prep the Red Onion
Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes. Soaking mellows the onion’s sharpness and adds a gentle bite without overwhelming the salad.
Step 6: Combine and Dress
In a large bowl, gently toss the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, cucumber, soaked onions, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Spring Salad with Goat Cheese and Strawberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle an extra handful of toasted pecans or even some freshly cracked black pepper on top to add a little more texture and spice. A few edible flowers can also add a playful, colorful touch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, summery dishes like grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a simple baguette with herb butter. It’s versatile enough to be a starter or a side, complementing so many spring and summer meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass serving bowl for a stunning visual effect, or serve individual portions in small, pretty bowls to show off the beautiful colors. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette artistically over the top instead of tossing, to create a gourmet feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately to keep everything fresh longer. Keep the mixed greens and dressing apart, and add the goat cheese and strawberries just before serving again the next day.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well because the fresh greens and strawberries will lose their texture and become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh to keep that perfect balance of crispness and juiciness.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it cold and fresh, as the textures and flavors are at their best this way.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides spinach or arugula?
Absolutely! Mixed greens like baby kale, romaine, or even butter lettuce can work beautifully depending on your taste preference and what you have on hand.
Is there a substitute for goat cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta is a great alternative. It still provides that crumbly texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness in the salad.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, and use a vegan balsamic vinaigrette to keep the salad fresh and flavorful.
How do I toast pecans perfectly?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely as nuts can burn quickly.
What type of balsamic vinaigrette works best?
A good quality balsamic vinaigrette that is balanced between sweet and tangy works best. You can buy it pre-made or whip up a simple homemade version with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Final Thoughts
This Spring Salad with Goat Cheese and Strawberries Recipe is an absolute delight to make and enjoy, especially when the weather starts to warm up. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfectly balanced, making it a wonderful dish to brighten your table and mood. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with all those flavors coming together in one gorgeous salad!
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Spring Salad with Goat Cheese and Strawberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant spring salad featuring mixed greens, sweet strawberries, crisp cucumber, tangy goat cheese, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach or arugula)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup pecan halves, toasted
Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then dry them completely using a salad spinner to ensure the salad isn’t watery.
- Crumble the goat cheese: Break the goat cheese into small, bite-sized pieces to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Slice the strawberries: Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops, then slice them thinly for a delicate texture and sweet flavor.
- Dice the cucumber: Cut the cucumber into half-moon shapes for a pleasing shape and fresh crunch.
- Soften the onion: Place the thinly sliced red onions in cold water and let them soak for about 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness and add a mild onion flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, diced cucumber, softened red onions, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans to evenly distribute all flavors.
- Add dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat without bruising the delicate greens.
Notes
- Soaking red onions in cold water reduces their pungency for a milder flavor.
- Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and texture.
- If preferred, substitute the balsamic vinaigrette with a lemon vinaigrette for a citrusy twist.
