Description
This refreshing Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad combines fresh baby greens with juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Enhanced with crisp cucumbers, red onions, avocado, and aromatic basil, this vibrant salad is perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 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
Salad
- 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
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Toss the base salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spring mix, sliced cucumbers, and red onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the greens and toss gently to evenly coat the vegetables without bruising the leaves.
- Assemble the salad: Transfer the dressed salad mixture onto a serving platter if preferred, or leave it in the mixing bowl for easier tossing later on.
- Add toppings: Scatter the walnuts, chopped strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, sliced avocado, and ribboned basil on top of the salad base, arranging them attractively for presentation and flavor balance.
- Serve: Present the salad as is adorned with the toppings, or gently toss all ingredients together before serving to distribute flavors evenly. Serve immediately for freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying maple syrup based on your preference.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor impact.
- This salad is best consumed fresh; avoid storing with dressing for extended periods to prevent sogginess.
- Optional: Add grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost, making it a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, summer salad, fresh salad, no-cook recipe, healthy salad, balsamic dressing, vegetarian salad
