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To make this Strawberry Spinach Goat Cheese Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered - 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted) - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients blend well to create a tasty and colorful salad. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Use mixed greens instead of spinach for a different flavor. - Try feta cheese or blue cheese if goat cheese is not your favorite. - Use walnuts or pecans instead of sliced almonds for a nutty crunch. - Substitute maple syrup for honey if you prefer a vegan option. - Red wine vinegar can replace balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. These swaps keep the salad fresh and fun. Each serving of this salad has great nutrition. Here’s a simple breakdown: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 6g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 6g This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it as a light meal or a side dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients for the dressing. You will need balsamic vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Mix until it is fully combined. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the salad. Now, move on to the salad. In a large bowl, combine: - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered - 1/4 cup sliced red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to break the goat cheese too much. This keeps the salad looking beautiful. It is time to serve! Sprinkle the salad with: - 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted) This adds a nice crunch. Serve the salad immediately. You can drizzle the rest of the dressing on individual servings if you like. For a lovely touch, serve in a large, shallow bowl. You can add a fresh strawberry on top for a stunning finish. Enjoy! To keep goat cheese from crumbling, try chilling it first. Cold cheese stays firm when you slice it. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If you need crumbles, gently press the cheese with your fingers. This way, you get nice pieces for your salad. Washing spinach is easy but important. Start by filling a large bowl with cold water. Place the spinach in the bowl, letting it soak for a minute. Gently swish the leaves around to remove dirt. Lift the spinach out of the water and place it in a colander to drain. Rinse under cold running water to ensure all dirt is gone. Dry the leaves with a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Clean spinach not only tastes better but is also safer to eat. Fresh herbs can make your salad even tastier. Try adding basil or mint for a fresh twist. Chop them finely and sprinkle them over the salad. Use only a little at first, then taste and adjust. Fresh herbs can brighten the flavors and add a unique touch to your Strawberry Spinach Goat Cheese Salad. They bring out the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the goat cheese. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Toast Your Nuts: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the salad from wilting, dress it right before serving for the freshest taste. Experiment with Cheese: If you're not a fan of goat cheese, try feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your strawberry spinach goat cheese salad for more flavor and nutrition. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It gives a nice smoky taste and pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Simply slice the chicken and add it on top. Another option is quinoa. This tiny grain is full of protein and has a nutty flavor. Cook the quinoa according to package directions, then let it cool before mixing it in. Both options make the salad more filling and satisfying. You can change the fruits in the salad based on what is in season. If strawberries are not available, try using blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor. For example, peaches add a juicy sweetness, while blueberries offer a nice burst of flavor. Just chop the fruit and mix it in with the spinach and goat cheese. If you want to make the salad vegan, there are easy swaps. Replace goat cheese with a creamy vegan cheese or avocado. The avocado will add healthy fats and a smooth texture. For the dressing, you can use maple syrup instead of honey. This keeps the salad sweet and delicious without any animal products. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly. These changes make the salad fit for everyone. To keep your salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the spinach and other ingredients in separate sections if possible. Keep the dressing in a small jar or bowl. This way, the spinach stays crisp and does not wilt. When prepping this salad, wash and dry the spinach ahead of time. Cut the strawberries and onions just before serving to keep them fresh. Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. Mix it all together right before you eat for the best taste. This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If stored properly, it lasts about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. The spinach will start to lose its crunch after that. The strawberries may also get mushy over time. If you notice any off smells or colors, it’s best to throw it away. To make this salad vegan, simply swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese. You can find many tasty options at the store. Use almond or cashew cheese for a creamy texture. Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness. This keeps the flavor while making it vegan-friendly. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Feta cheese works great and adds a salty burst. If you want something creamier, try ricotta or cream cheese. Each cheese offers a unique taste, so pick what you love. Just remember, the choice will change the salad's flavor. This salad pairs well with many side dishes. Grilled chicken or fish can make a nice addition. You can serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread as well. For something light, try a bowl of soup. Each option complements the salad's fresh and bright flavors. This blog post covered all the key parts of making a great salad. You found the complete ingredient list and learned about smarter swaps. We also discussed easy steps to prepare your salad and tips to elevate flavors. Don’t forget the variations with proteins and seasonal fruits. Finally, I shared how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy trying out these ideas. Get creative, and make it your own!

Strawberry Spinach Goat Cheese Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and a tangy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 0.5 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 0.25 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully combined to make the dressing.
  • In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, quartered strawberries, sliced red onion, and crumbled goat cheese.
  • Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, being careful not to break the goat cheese.
  • Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of the salad for added crunch and texture.
  • Serve immediately, drizzling the remaining dressing on individual servings if desired.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and garnish with a fresh strawberry on top for an attractive finish.
Keyword goat cheese, salad, spinach, strawberry