Spring Mix Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
A simple recipe for a fresh spring salad combining tender greens, sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and a light balsamic vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 ounces spring mix greens
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- For the Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil
- For the Dressing: 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- For the Dressing: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- For the Dressing: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- For the Dressing: Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Wash and dry the spring mix greens thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Slice the hulled strawberries and thinly slice the red onion, if using. Add these to the bowl with the greens.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans over the salad ingredients.
- Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Select spring mix that looks crisp and bright green; avoid any bags with wilted or slimy leaves.
- Choose strawberries that are deep red throughout for the best flavor.
- For make-ahead preparation, store the greens, strawberries, cheese, and nuts separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Assemble and dress just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the honey slightly. For a tangier dressing, add a splash more balsamic vinegar.
- You can substitute feta cheese for goat cheese or use slivered almonds instead of pecans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 25