Strawberry Goat Cheese Spring Salad 🥗🍓

This vibrant and refreshing salad is the perfect celebration of spring! The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Ideal for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a colorful side dish for any gathering, this salad will surely impress your family and friends!

Pair it with a light vinaigrette or enjoy it on its own for a fresh, wholesome experience. 🌿

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup of arugula
• 1 cup of sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup of candied pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup of avocado, diced

For the Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the spinach, arugula, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, diced avocado, and red onion. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients together.

🥗 Be gentle when tossing the salad to avoid bruising the spinach and strawberries. You can also layer the ingredients for a beautiful presentation!

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and salt and pepper until emulsified.

🧄 Feel free to add minced garlic or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the vinaigrette for an extra flavor kick!

• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat.

• Top the salad with candied pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch.

🍯 Candied nuts can easily be made at home by toasting nuts in a pan with a bit of butter or maple syrup until golden and fragrant.

Variations

• Nut-free: Omit the nuts and substitute with roasted sunflower seeds for added crunch.
• Dairy-free: Replace goat cheese with a crumbled plant-based cheese or avocado for creaminess.
• Additional Fruits: Add slices of ripe peach or mandarin orange for a sweet twist!
• Protein-Packed: Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier salad that's perfect for a main course.

Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Goat Cheese Spring Salad as a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring color and flavor to your table! 🌸🥗