This sensational mixed green strawberry goat cheese salad with cucumber, red onion, and walnuts will become your new favorite summer recipe. It’s a fresh and flavorful dish made with simple ingredients and dressed with a healthy homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
The Best Mixed Green Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese
Get ready to fall in love with this super simple recipe. It combines mixed greens, cucumbers, strawberries, red onions, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. The addition of fresh strawberries adds the perfect touch of sweetness and juiciness that makes this salad a delightful summer treat. But the real star is the tangy homemade healthy balsamic vinaigrette.
This strawberry goat cheese salad is not only a great side dish for a family dinner or summer BBQ, but you can also add protein like grilled chicken, crispy chicken thighs, grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or steak to make it a satisfying lunch or dinner.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. In just 5 minutes, you can impress everyone with this refreshing and delicious salad. With only six ingredients for the salad and five ingredients for the dressing, it’s a fuss-free and healthy option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh, juicy strawberries.
- Creamy and salty goat cheese.
- Quick and easy to make in just 5 minutes.
- Dressed with a healthy homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
- Gluten-free and grain-free.
- Perfect as a side dish for summer and spring.
- Can be customized with various protein options.
- Versatile and customizable to suit everyone’s preferences.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This strawberry goat cheese salad requires only a handful of healthy ingredients, including mixed greens, strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and goat cheese. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need:
The Strawberry Salad:
- Mixed Green Lettuce: Use mixed greens or baby spinach as the salad base.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness. You can substitute with blueberries, if needed.
- Cucumber: English cucumber adds crunch and freshness. Persian cucumber can be used as a substitute.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharpness to the salad. White or yellow onion can also be used.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts provide nuttiness and crunch. Pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy and savory flavor. Feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
Homemade Healthy Balsamic Dressing:
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Provides the base for the dressing. Avocado oil can also be used.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds sweetness and acidity. Not the same as balsamic glaze.
- Honey: Optional for sweetness. Adjust to taste.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth to the dressing.
- Garlic Clove: Enhances flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning.
How to Make This Easy Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Preparing this strawberry goat cheese salad is a breeze and takes just 5 minutes. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1:
Start by whisking together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar until the olive oil and balsamic vinegar are completely mixed and emulsified.
Step 2:
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more balsamic, salt, pepper, or olive oil if desired.
Step 3:
In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, strawberries, cucumber, sliced red onion, walnuts, and goat cheese.
Step 4:
When ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use arugula or baby spinach?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any lettuce as the base. Bib lettuce or leafy lettuce also work well.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this strawberry goat cheese salad is healthy. It’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and is gluten-free and low in sugar. Plus, it’s packed with essential nutrients.
Can I use a different salad dressing?
Yes! You can try this healthy caesar salad dressing as an alternative. It’s equally delicious.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, this salad recipe is 100% gluten-free. It contains no gluten or grains.
Is goat cheese dairy-free?
No, goat cheese is not dairy-free as it is made from goat milk.
Can I make it dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, simply omit the goat cheese and substitute it with your favorite dairy-free alternative.
What is the best goat cheese substitute?
For salads, feta crumbles make the best substitute for goat cheese.
Conclusion
This refreshing strawberry goat cheese salad is perfect for summer. It’s a quick and easy recipe that bursts with fresh flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or a complete meal with added protein, this salad is sure to impress. Try it today and taste the magic of this delightful recipe.
For more amazing recipes, visit Family Cuisine.
