Dessert

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Introduction

This refreshing Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad combines sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors for a delightful and vibrant dish. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side, it comes together quickly with fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing.

A white oval plate holds a colorful layered salad placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is mixed green leafy vegetables with different shades of green and purple. On top, there are bright red strawberry halves scattered evenly. Crumbled white cheese is sprinkled throughout the salad, adding texture. Two halves of a green avocado with sliced lines are placed on one side of the plate, garnished with a few fresh green basil leaves on top. Around the plate, there are whole walnuts and strawberries, with a small white bowl of crumbly cheese and wooden salad utensils close by. A beige cloth is partially visible at the bottom edge of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
⅓ cup olive oil
10 ounces baby spring mix (or mixed greens)
1 English cucumber (cut into half moons)
¼ red onion (sliced)
1 cup walnuts
3 to 4 cups strawberries (roughly chopped or sliced into halves or quarters)
1 cup goat cheese (crumbled)
1 avocado (sliced)
1 handful basil (ribboned)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined to create the dressing.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the baby spring mix, cucumber slices, and red onion with the dressing until evenly coated.
Step 3: Transfer the dressed greens to a serving platter if desired, or keep in the mixing bowl for easier tossing later.
Step 4: Arrange the walnuts, strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, sliced avocado, and ribboned basil on top of the salad.
Step 5: Serve immediately as is, or gently toss all ingredients together before serving for a fully mixed salad.

Tips & Variations

Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Add grilled chicken or tofu to make this a more filling meal.
For extra freshness, chill the strawberries before adding them to the salad.

Storage

Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess. If storing the assembled salad, consume within a few hours for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a fresh salad on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is made of mixed green leaves with varied shades of green and purple, giving a leafy texture. On top of this, there are sliced red strawberries scattered all over, adding bright red color and juicy texture. Two neatly sliced avocado halves with a smooth green texture sit on the left and right sides of the plate. White crumbly cheese pieces are sprinkled evenly across the salad, creating a soft contrast against the greens and reds. Small tan-colored walnut pieces are also spread throughout, adding a rough, crunchy look. Thin slices of cucumber and red onion are visible under the strawberries and cheese, adding hints of pale green and purple. Two wooden salad spoons with rich brown and light wood grain textures rest on the right side of the plate, with one partly under the salad. A green plant is at the top left corner, and scattered strawberries and walnut pieces surround the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

It’s best to keep the dressing and toppings separate until serving to maintain freshness. Prep the greens, wash and slice strawberries, and store ingredients chilled, then combine when ready to eat.