Strawberry Spinach Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese

$To make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, you will need: - 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This salad is not just tasty; it is also good for you. Each serving has: - Calories: About 220 - Protein: 6 grams - Carbohydrates: 15 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Fat: 17 grams The spinach gives you vitamins A and C. The strawberries add fiber and antioxidants. The goat cheese offers protein and calcium. Pecans give healthy fats and a nice crunch. You can make this salad even if you lack some ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Spinach: Use mixed greens or arugula for a different taste. - Strawberries: Swap with blueberries or raspberries for variety. - Goat Cheese: Try feta cheese for a saltier flavor. - Pecans: Use walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. - Balsamic Vinegar: Red wine vinegar works well in a pinch. - Olive Oil: Any light oil, like canola, can substitute. - Honey: Maple syrup or agave syrup can sweeten your dressing. These swaps keep the salad fresh and exciting! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make this strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese, start with the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. This step is key for great flavor. Set the dressing aside while you prep the salad. Next, grab a large salad bowl. Add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach to the bowl. Then, slice your 2 cups of strawberries and add them in. The strawberries bring a sweet taste that pairs well with the spinach. Thinly slice 1/4 of a red onion and mix it in. After that, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything to coat. It’s important to mix it well so every bite is tasty. When making this salad, use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Rinse the spinach and strawberries well to remove any dirt. Dry the spinach gently with a towel to avoid a soggy salad. If you like crunch, toast the pecans before adding them. Just place them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning. For mixing, use a large spoon or your hands. Toss the salad gently to keep the spinach and strawberries intact. For a lovely presentation, serve the salad in a large shallow bowl. This makes it easy for everyone to serve themselves. To make it even prettier, garnish with extra strawberry slices on top. You can also sprinkle more goat cheese for a creamy finish. If you want individual servings, place salad on small plates. This adds a nice touch for special occasions. Enjoy every colorful bite! To make a great Strawberry Spinach Salad, start with fresh ingredients. Choose bright green baby spinach. Look for leaves that are crisp and not wilted. For strawberries, select ones that are vibrant red and firm. Smell them; they should have a sweet scent. Always wash your greens and fruit well to remove dirt and pesticides. Store your spinach and berries in the fridge, but use them quickly for the best taste. A good salad needs a balance of flavors. The sweet strawberries pair well with tangy goat cheese. The creamy cheese adds richness. To enhance this, use a mix of salty pecans and a light vinaigrette. The dressing should be sweet, sour, and a bit salty. This mix keeps the salad refreshing. Adjust the honey and vinegar to your taste. A pinch of salt can also lift all the flavors. Serve the salad in a large bowl for sharing or on individual plates. For a nice touch, garnish with extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of goat cheese on top. This makes it look inviting. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. If you want to make it a meal, serve it with crusty bread or a light soup. Enjoy this salad fresh to appreciate all its flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest baby spinach and strawberries to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after tossing helps the flavors meld together for a more delicious experience. Experiment with Dressings: Feel free to customize the dressing by adding herbs or spices, such as Dijon mustard or fresh basil, for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can enhance your salad with a few tasty additions. Try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil. They will give your salad a bright taste. Sliced avocado offers creaminess and richness, which pairs well with goat cheese. You can also add fresh citrus like orange or grapefruit slices for a zesty twist. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can add a nice chew and sweetness. If you want to boost the protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins blend well with the salad’s flavors. You can also use chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based source of protein. These options keep the salad filling and satisfying without losing its freshness. You can switch up the fruit based on what’s in season. In summer, use peaches or blueberries for a sweet contrast. In fall, consider adding apple slices or pomegranate seeds for a crunchy bite. Each fruit brings its own flavor, making each salad unique and exciting. To store your leftover strawberry spinach salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the dressing separate. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. Use the salad within 2 days for the best taste. For freshness, store spinach and strawberries in the fridge. Keep them dry and cool. Wrap spinach in a damp paper towel. Place it in a plastic bag. This helps it last longer. Strawberries should be kept in their original container, not washed until ready to eat. You don’t need to reheat this salad. It tastes best cold. If you want to serve it later, mix in the goat cheese just before serving. This keeps it creamy. You can also add fresh strawberries right before serving for extra flavor. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Just mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, give it a good shake. This helps the flavors blend. If you want to switch up the cheese, try feta or blue cheese. Both add a nice tang. You can also use creamy ricotta for a different texture. Each cheese brings a unique flavor, making your salad special every time. To make this salad vegan, skip the goat cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess. Add some nuts or seeds for protein. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor. This way, you keep it fresh and delicious without dairy. This blog post covers everything you need for a great salad. We started with fresh ingredients, giving you options and nutrition info. Next, we went through step-by-step preparation. I shared tips to help you mix and plate your dish nicely. We also discussed best practices and serving ideas for balanced flavor. Variations showed fun ways to customize your salad. Finally, we talked about storage for leftovers. Think of this salad as a canvas. You can mix, change, and enjoy it every time!$

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and creamy goat cheese, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh baby spinach
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup goat cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
0.25 red onion thinly sliced
0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans on top of the salad.
Serve immediately or let it rest for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve in a large shallow serving bowl or individual plates, and garnish with extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of goat cheese for added visual appeal.

Keyword goat cheese, salad, spinach, strawberry