Description
A vibrant, quick-to-make summer salad combining fresh baby spinach, sweet ripe strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and toasted nuts with a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170g) fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint (450g) ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup (60g) candied pecans or walnuts (or raw nuts, toasted)
- 4 ounces (115g) goat cheese (chèvre), crumbled
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Wash the spinach thoroughly in cold water. Spin dry or pat gently with paper towels until completely dry. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Hull the strawberries and slice them into thin half-moons. Arrange them on top of the spinach (do not mix yet).
- If using raw nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let cool completely.
- In a small jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Screw the lid on tight and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until emulsified.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the strawberries and spinach. Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss with hands or large spoons until leaves are coated and strawberries are lightly dressed.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
[‘Ensure spinach is completely dry to prevent a watery salad.’, ‘Use room temperature ingredients for better flavor melding.’, ‘Do not dress the salad more than 10-15 minutes before serving to avoid wilting.’, ‘Toast nuts for enhanced flavor and crunch.’, ‘Crumble goat cheese by hand for better distribution.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Side dish serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: spinach strawberry salad, summer salad, easy side dish, healthy salad, goat cheese salad, balsamic vinaigrette, quick recipes, gluten-free options