This little strawberry salad with goat cheese is one of my all-time favorites. She has all the makings of a perfect salad- she's fresh, a little sweet, a little savory, she's got a bit of a tangy zing, some herbal notes, and some crunch. Oh, and she's super simple. Who could ask for more?
I'm big into salads. This little cutie is no exception. Sliced strawberries pair perfectly with tangy goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. Pecans give her just the right amount of crunch, and if you have some on hand, a little torn basil ties her all together.
This salad, like a good salad should be, is super customizable. If you're not an onion fan, leave 'em off. Use mozzarella instead of goat cheese, or swap your pecans for walnuts. Have fun and play around with it!
If you're looking for more delicious salads- head over to our fuji apple salad with candied walnuts, try our balsamic roasted veggie salad, or check out this cold shaved asparagus salad!
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Ingredients
This simple salad only calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients. She's simple but absolutely scrumptious. Scroll down for some delicious substitutions and variations!
- spinach
- arugula
- strawberries
- balsamic vinaigrette
- red onion
- pecans
- goat cheese
- fresh basil (optional)
Strawberry Salad Instructions
- Wash and dry your greens and set them aside in a serving bowl. Slice your strawberries and red onions and set aside.
- Toss your greens and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garnish the salad with sliced onions, strawberries, goat cheese crumbles and pecans.
- Serve salad.
- Garnish with torn basil leaves, if desired, and enjoy!
For an extra flavor kick, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they're fragrant. Toasting nuts brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, adding a delightful toasty crunch to your salad.
Substitutions
- Spinach & Arugula: If you're not a fan of arugula's peppery taste, feel free to use a mix of spinach and romaine lettuce for a milder flavor.
- Goat Cheese: Try mozzarella or blue cheese if you're not a goat cheese fan. For a dairy-free option, swap out the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: If you prefer a different dressing, poppyseed dressing, raspberry vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing will add a fresh twist.
- Pecans: Almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds can be great substitutes if pecans aren't your thing or if you're looking for a different nutty crunch.
- Strawberries: Blueberries or sliced apples can be used for a different fruity element.
Variations
- Protein-Packed: Top the salad with grilled chicken breast or shrimp for a hearty, protein-rich meal.
- Sweet and Savory: Add crispy bacon bits or prosciutto for a savory contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some croutons or crispy chickpeas for added texture.
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Recipe
Strawberry Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 cup spinach
- 2 cup arugula
- ⅔ cup strawberries sliced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup goat cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette more or less to taste
- fresh basil torn (optional)
Instructions
- Start by washing and slicing the strawberries, and slicing the red onion. Set aside.
- Wash and dry the spinach and arugula. Toss them together in a serving bowl. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss everything to coat.
- Add the sliced strawberries, red onion and goat cheese. Top with pecans. Garnish with torn basil, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Spinach & Arugula: If you're not a fan of arugula's peppery taste, feel free to use a mix of spinach and romaine lettuce for a milder flavor.
- Goat Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like blue cheese, feta, or shaved Parmesan for a variety of flavors. For a dairy-free option, swap out goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: If you prefer a different dressing, raspberry vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing can add a fresh twist.
- Pecans: Almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds can be great substitutes if pecans aren't your thing or if you're looking for a different nutty crunch.
- Strawberries: Blueberries or sliced apples can be used for a different fruity element.
- Protein-Packed: Top the salad with grilled chicken breast or shrimp for a hearty, protein-rich meal.
- Sweet and Savory: Add crispy bacon bits or prosciutto for a savory contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some croutons or crispy chickpeas for added texture.
Nutrition
kitchenverve.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes on our site. This information is provided as a courtesy from online calculators and should be used only as an estimate. Although we attempt to provide the most accurate nutritional information possible, these figures will vary based on your chosen ingredients and cooking methods.
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