If there’s one dish that captures the absolute joy of spring on a plate, it’s the vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese. This recipe is a fresh, colorful, and flavor-packed classic—each bite is full of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and a citrusy poppy seed dressing that will make your taste buds do a little happy dance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Freshness: Every bite combines juicy strawberries and tender spinach for a crisp, refreshing salad that just feels like sunshine.
- Creamy, Dreamy Goat Cheese: The tangy crumbles of goat cheese melt into the vinaigrette for that irresistible, luxurious touch.
- Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing: With bright citrus, balsamic, and just the right pop of seeds, it’s so simple—yet leagues above anything from a bottle.
- Easy, Elegant & Fast: It looks elegant enough for entertaining, but comes together in minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese uses just a handful of beautiful, fresh ingredients—but don’t be fooled by the short list. Each component brings something special to the table, from color and crunch to creamy tang and vibrant flavor.
- Baby Spinach: Choose fresh, tender baby spinach for a mild base that pairs perfectly with fruity and creamy toppings.
- Strawberries: Sliced or halved ripe strawberries offer sweet juiciness—fresh-picked berries will make this salad really shine!
- Fresh Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy, goat cheese crumbles add creaminess and a touch of sophistication to each bite.
- Pecans: Crushed pecans provide a nutty crunch, giving the salad welcome texture and depth. Lightly toast them for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: The base of the dressing—choose a fruity, good-quality olive oil for best results.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds sweet acidity to balance the sweetness of the berries and richness of the cheese.
- Lemon (zest and juice): Lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice brighten up the whole salad and elevate the flavors in the dressing.
- Poppy Seeds: These add a delightful crunch and a lovely visual flair to the dressing.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper: For perfect seasoning—always season to taste!
Variations
This salad is endlessly customizable—swap, add, or subtract ingredients based on what you have on hand, your favorite flavors, or your dietary needs. Have fun making it your own!
- Swap the Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or even candied pecans are delicious stand-ins for pecans if you want a different crunch.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make this salad a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Try Berries Galore: Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can join or replace strawberries for a fun twist.
- Dairy-Free Variation: For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese or simply leave it out—the salad will still sing with flavor!
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
Step 1: Make the Poppy Seed Dressing
Start by whisking or shaking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, poppy seeds, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Use a bowl and a small whisk, or pop everything in a jar and shake until fully emulsified. Taste it—the flavor should be zippy and balanced; add more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
Rinse your baby spinach well and spin it dry—crisp leaves are key for a great salad texture. Hull and slice the strawberries (halve them if they’re small), crumble the goat cheese, and crush those pecans for extra rustic charm. Pro tip: Toast the pecans briefly in a dry skillet for deeper, nuttier flavor!
Step 3: Toss It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the spinach, strawberries, and half the goat cheese and pecans. Drizzle with the freshly whisked dressing and toss oh-so-carefully to coat everything evenly. Scatter the remaining goat cheese and pecans on top so every serving looks beautiful and feels a bit special.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
- Juiciest Berries: Buy strawberries at their sweetest—look for berries that are deeply red and fragrant. Soft or underripe berries won’t do this salad justice!
- Crumbing Goat Cheese Easily: If your cheese is too soft to crumble, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes first. It’ll break into perfect, creamy morsels.
- Balanced Tossing: Always drizzle the dressing around the edges of the bowl, not straight on the greens. This helps it evenly coat the salad without weighing down those delicate spinach leaves.
- Make-Ahead Magic: If you need to prep ahead, store the dressing separately and only toss right before serving. This keeps everything crisp, not soggy!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible presentation, top your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese with a light grating of lemon zest, an extra sprinkle of poppy seeds, and a few whole mint or basil leaves. The herbs echo the freshness of the salad while the zest brightens the plate, making it a feast for the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs like a dream with anything from crusty artisan bread to grilled chicken or salmon. It makes a standout starter at brunches, picnics, or summer dinners, and is lovely alongside quiche, pasta, or a simple soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For bridal or baby showers, portion the salad into individual glass jars or martini glasses for a fun twist. Feeling rustic? Serve on a large wooden platter for family-style meals, or stuff into pita pockets for a playful, hand-held lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The greens may wilt a bit once dressed, but the flavors will still be delicious for a quick lunch.
Freezing
This isn’t a freezer-friendly salad (fresh greens, berries, and cheese just don’t hold up to freezing and thawing), so enjoy it fresh or simply refrigerate individual salad components to toss later.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—this salad is meant to be served cold or room temperature. Just give any chilled leftovers a gentle toss and enjoy as-is for the freshest taste and texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese in advance?
Yes! Prepare all your components (wash and dry the spinach, slice strawberries, crumble goat cheese, and make the dressing) up to a day ahead. Store everything separately and combine just before serving for the best texture.
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What other fruits can I use if I don’t have strawberries?
Try blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even juicy peaches—most sweet, tender fruits play beautifully with the spinach and goat cheese.
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Is there a substitute for goat cheese in this salad?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, swap it out for crumbled feta, fresh mozzarella pearls, or even a mild blue cheese for a different twist.
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Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
You can, but I highly recommend whipping up the homemade poppy seed dressing—it just takes a couple minutes and truly takes Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese over the top in flavor!
Final Thoughts
I hope you adore this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese as much as I do! It’s simple, fresh, and downright cheerful—perfect for brightening up any meal or sharing with friends and family. Don’t wait for a special occasion: treat yourself and enjoy every flavor-packed bite!
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful mix of flavors and textures with this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese. Fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans come together perfectly in this vibrant salad, dressed with a tangy poppy seed vinaigrette.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 5 cups (5.3 ounces/150g) baby spinach
- 8 ounces (225g) strawberries, sliced or halved
- 5.3 ounces (150g) fresh goat cheese, crumbled
- 4 Tablespoons pecans, crushed
For the poppy seed dressing:
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Zests of 1 lemon, non-treated
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- For the dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl (or shake in a covered jar) until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, as needed.
- Toss the salad: Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the dressing then gently toss until combined. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, keep the salad ingredients and the dressing separately, and add the dressing just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 280
- Sugar: Approx. 6g
- Sodium: Approx. 200mg
- Fat: Approx. 22g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 8g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 15mg
