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
Scale
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.
