Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Baby spinach tossed with a creamy, homemade dressing, fresh strawberries, goat cheese crumbles, red onion and more make for the perfect summer salad! This strawberry salad will not disappoint!

WHAT’S NEW?

The weekends have been so busy lately, but the blessing is that next weekend we have nothing to get up for on Saturday OR Sunday. We love swim and soccer, but sleep is right up there in terms of love! This week is shaping up to be crazy busy and so the weekend will feel all the more earned!

My parents and brother’s family are planning a visit next weekend and I’m anxious for some family time. I’m thinking an Italian feast on Saturday night with some homemade lasagna, a lovely Caesar salad, some crusty, warm bread, and a killer glass of vino is just what we all need. We haven’t all hung out since Christmas and that’s far too long! Hosting is the perfect excuse to spend some time whipping up the perfect meal whereas this week is all about dinner on the table in record speed. A no-cook, delicious salad made from simple ingredients is the perfect seasonal salad that just may be your new go-to salad!

ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE

• No-Cook Meal: This healthy salad recipe requires no cooking whatsoever! Requiring minimal time to prep, you’ll be impressed with how quickly and easily this salad comes together!
• Berry Season: Late spring welcomes strawberry season where in-season, juicy strawberries ring in summer time! 
• Salad Fans: This summer staple is a must-make healthy salad. The dressing is light yet full of creamy, full flavor. Red strawberry slices, purple onion, light green avocado, and dark green baby greens make for a stunning presentation! 

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Strawberries: Any fresh berry will work well in this recipe – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, you choose! That said, sweet strawberries are my top pick!
• Mayonnaise: You can use half plain Greek yogurt and half extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil in place of mayonnaise, if preferred. Add a pinch of salt if you go this route!
• White Wine Vinegar: White balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar work well as an alternative.
• Sugar: Maple syrup or honey work as substitutes, as does a sugar substitute (start with 1-2 teaspoons).
• Spinach: Spring mix, salad greens or mixed greens, arugula, or lettuce of your preference are all good substitutes.
• Avocado: Use more or less, or none, if preferred!
• Red Onion: Any onion will work, or feel free to leave out.
• Almonds: I love the crunch of slivered almonds, however any nut will work great: pecans, walnuts, cashews, pine nuts, etc.
• Goat Cheese: You can easily substitute in blue cheese or feta cheese crumbles, if preferred, or omit cheese entirely.

VARIATIONS, STORAGE, AND TIPS

• Serve salad immediately after dressing in a large bowl
• Store the salad dressing in a mason jar for easy storage.
• This salad can be served as a main or side dish.

FAQ

Can this salad be prepped ahead of time? 

For the most part, yes! The dressing can be prepped up to 48 hours in advance. Each of the ingredients, with the exception of avocado, can be prepped 1-2 days ahead of time. For best results, store each ingredient in a separate airtight container, especially the nuts. Assemble and dress right before serving.

I prefer to use a store-bought dressing. What would you recommend?

A poppyseed, sweet onion, Catalina, French, or balsamic vinaigrette or another balsamic dressing would be great choices.

What protein would be best paired with this strawberry goat cheese salad recipe?

Grilled chicken breasts, shrimp, or salmon would all be excellent proteins to pair with this salad or serve atop the salad itself.

What other salad toppings or ingredients would you recommend?

The sky is the limit! Candied pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, bell pepper, apple, or pear would all make great additions or substitutions and create some different flavors.

NUTRITIONAL MERITS

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• High-Fiber: With nearly 7 grams of fiber per serving, this salad is high in fiber.
• Vegetarian, vegan option with a vegan mayonnaise and goat cheese omitted
• Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat

Hello, epic salads! So much yes!

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• Honey Chili-Lime Shrimp Salad
• Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Citrus-Herb Dressing
• Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Chicken Caesar with a Twist & Shrimp Caesar Salad with a Twist
• Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
• Crispy Italian Chicken and Bacon Salads with Tahini Pesto Dressing and Sourdough Croutons
• Tex-Mex Chicken Chopped Salad
• Chimichurri Steak and Vegetable Salad
• Berry Blue Cheese Salad with Chicken and Blueberry Balsamic Dressing

Be well,