Get ready for summer, with this sweet and tangy Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese. Made with fresh, juicy strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and a simple balsamic dressing, it's the perfect salad to pair with your favorite dishes. Make a large serving for picnics, barbeques, or serve it alongside your favorite meal.
What's more refreshing than a bite of your favorite fruit? Having a refreshingly light salad with fruit that highlights the very best of the season! Well it's strawberry season here in New Jersey, and I can't wait to eat them ALL day EVERY day. Can you tell I'm excited?
I love sneaking strawberries into classics, such as this BLT, or this delicious strawberry breakfast bread. But when I'm craving something simple, light, and ridiculously easy, I make a salad.
For this salad, I paired a light spring mix lettuce with ripe strawberries, tangy, goat cheese, a few cucumbers, and some sliced almonds for a little crunch. I then drizzle a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic and toss in some fresh herbs. Perfection!
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Ingredient notes
Here is what you will need to make this strawberry salad with goat cheese. Take advantage of local farmer's markets and hunt for seasonal strawberries- which honestly, can't be beat!
- Lettuce- Use any type you want. I always reach for a 50/50 spring mix with baby spinach. Arugula, spinach, romaine, butter lettuce are other great choices. Just avoid iceberg lettuce for this salad, it just doesn't taste the same.
- Strawberries- Choose fresh strawberries that are bright red. Fresh strawberries are at their peak in late spring and early summer.
- Goat cheese- Look for plain goat cheese, also called "chèvre" in the cheese section. I like to buy it in small logs and crumble it myself. The taste is superior to crumbled goat cheese in containers.
- Almonds- I used sliced almonds, but you can use any nut you like.
- Cucumbers- I like to add a little more crunch and a pop of green.
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar- For the dressing.
- Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs- To finish the salad.
Instructions
I have a secret for you, you don't need instructions for this delicious summer strawberry salad. There is no wrong way to prepare it. Just slice, sprinkle, drizzle, and toss, and don't forget to follow the expert tips below for salad success.
📝Expert tips
- To save time, use pre-washed lettuce. If you are washing your lettuce, use a salad spinner or dry it with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture.
- I included measurements for the balsamic dressing, but truth be told, I always just eyeball it. I taste as I go, but if this isn't your jam, then use the proportions listed for a simple balsamic vinaigrette. You will have leftover dressing that you can use again over the next few weeks.
- There's no need to hull the strawberries, just cut the leafy tops off, and slice crosswise or chop them into bite-size pieces.
- I like to peel my cucumbers first, but you can leave the skin on.
- Adding the nuts last will ensure they stay nice and crunchy!
Substitutions and variations
- Fruit- You don't have to commit to just strawberries. Any berry will work, as will peaches or other stone fruits. Grapes are another great option.
- Balsamic- Balsamic and strawberries are a match made in heaven, but feel free to use what you have on hand. Red wine vinegar is a good substitute, or you can whisk olive oil and lemon juice together to make a simple lemon dressing.
- Citrus- To bring out the freshness of the fruit, zest fresh lemon or orange over the top.
- Goat cheese- If you don't like goat cheese, you can use feta.
- Add protein- Want to make this a more rounded meal? Add your favorite protein such as grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu.
Storage and make-ahead
This strawberry salad is best eaten right away. You can prep the ingredients in advance, and then toss together with the dressing when ready to eat. Leftover salad with dressing will get mushy, but that's never stopped me from eating it the next day!
FAQ
Yes! But wait until you are ready to eat them before washing them or they will spoil quicker. You don't need anything fancy, just run them under cold water to remove any debris. Pat them dry, and enjoy!
Love fruit?
Me too! Try these fruity combos.
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese
Equipment
- large serving bowl or platter
- cutting board
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (not glaze)
- ¾ cup olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 5 ounces lettuce (spring mix, arugula, 50/50 mix, spinach)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers
- 2-4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled buy it in a log and crumble yourself for the best taste
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- chopped fresh herbs such as basil or thyme optional
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, balsamic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a jar fitted with a tight lid. Shake well until combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients in a bowl until it comes together. Set aside.¼ cup balsamic vinegar (not glaze), ¾ cup olive oil, Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Add the lettuce, strawberries, cucumbers, and goat cheese to a large bowl or serving platter. Add dressing to taste (you will have leftover dressing), and toss. Adjust for more dressing, then top with nuts. Serve immediately.5 ounces lettuce (spring mix, arugula, 50/50 mix, spinach), 1 cup sliced strawberries, ½ cup sliced cucumbers, 2-4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled, ⅓ cup sliced almonds, chopped fresh herbs such as basil or thyme
Notes
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
Marilyn says
Deliciously simple!!!