Fresh, vibrant, and brimming with a sweet-savory magic, Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese is the spring and summer salad of my dreams. Every bite is a gorgeous mix of juicy berries, creamy goat cheese, crisp spinach, and crunchy pecans, all brought together with a zippy homemade poppy seed dressing. Whether you’re celebrating berry season or bringing something special to a picnic, this colorful salad never fails to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor Contrast: Sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and a zesty poppy seed dressing make every forkful sing with excitement.
- Quick to Make: You can have this show-stopping Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese tossed together in just 10 minutes!
- Perfect for Gatherings: It looks as spectacular as it tastes, making it a total crowd-pleaser for anything from brunches to dinner parties.
- Seasonal & Adaptable: Ideal during strawberry season, but easy to tweak year-round with a few swaps or extras.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese has a role to play—bringing color, texture, and crave-worthy layers of flavor! You don’t need anything fancy, just simple staples that transform into a little bowl of sunshine.
- Baby spinach: The tender, mild greens are perfect for letting the other ingredients shine while adding beautiful color and crunch.
- Fresh strawberries: Look for juicy, ripe berries—they give the salad its sweet, summery punch and gorgeous color contrast.
- Goat cheese: Its tangy, creamy texture melts into the salad, balancing out the sweetness of the fruit.
- Pecans: Toasted or raw, they add a warm, nutty crunch that makes each bite satisfying.
- Olive oil: Forms the rich, velvety base of the poppy seed dressing—you’ll taste the difference with a high-quality oil!
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds subtle sweetness and zingy acidity to bring all the flavors together in the dressing.
- Lemon zest & juice: Brightens and wakes up the whole dish, adding a spark that keeps things refreshing.
- Poppy seeds: Tiny, nutty seeds that dot the dressing—adding delicate flavor and a lovely visual touch.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every element in this gorgeous salad.
Variations
The beauty of Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese is its flexibility! Make it your own by swapping in favorite nuts, fruits, or cheese, or adjusting it for any special diets at your table.
- Try different nuts: Candied pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds switch up the crunch factor with their own personality.
- Sneak in extra veggies: Shaved fennel, thinly sliced red onion, or even cucumber add complexity and freshness.
- Make it dairy-free: Use a vegan goat-style cheese or creamy avocado in place of the goat cheese for a plant-based option.
- Swap the fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or even orange segments play beautifully with the savory elements if strawberries aren’t in season!
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
Step 1: Whisk Up the Poppy Seed Dressing
Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is thickened and glossy—or simply shake everything together in a mason jar for a no-fuss approach. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you’re happy with the flavor balance. This dressing is what takes your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese over the top!
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
Rinse and gently pat dry your baby spinach so it stays vibrant and crisp. Hull and slice the strawberries (halves look elegant for larger berries, while slices work beautifully for smaller ones). Roughly crush or chop your pecans and crumble the goat cheese—keeping some nice big chunks for extra creaminess.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, layer the spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and pecans. Give the dressing a quick stir or shake, then drizzle it evenly over the salad. Using salad tongs or impeccably clean hands, toss everything together very gently—just enough to coat and mingle, so you preserve those luscious pockets of cheese and berries. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and freshness!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
- Berry Picking Strategy: For the sweetest, most flavorful salad, always use ripe, fragrant strawberries—local or seasonal if possible.
- Goat Cheese Magic: Pop your goat cheese in the freezer for 5 minutes before crumbling; it’ll break into lovely, creamy chunks instead of smushing.
- Ultra-Fresh Greens: If your spinach seems a touch wilted, soak it in icy water for a few minutes, then spin dry for unbelievably crisp leaves.
- Dressing On Demand: If prepping the salad ahead, always keep dressing and leafy greens separate until ready to serve to prevent any sogginess.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
Garnishes
Elevate your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese with a scattering of extra poppy seeds, a twist of freshly ground black pepper, or a flurry of lemon zest right before serving. A few extra berries and a handful of baby mint leaves add an elegant, inviting touch for celebrations or special meals.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or roasted tofu for a light but satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread, quiche, or a simple pasta dish—especially when you want something fresh and colorful next to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese family-style on a big platter so all those gorgeous ingredients are on show. Or, portion into individual glass jars or cups for an adorable, portable party starter. Skewer the strawberries, cheese, and spinach onto toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you anticipate leftovers, store the salad, goat cheese, and pecans in separate containers in the fridge, and keep extra dressing in a small jar. Once dressed, the spinach will wilt pretty quickly—so for best texture, toss only as much as you’ll eat at once.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, as both the berries and spinach can lose their texture and flavor. The dressing, however, can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for several days with no trouble!
Reheating
No reheating needed—the magic of this salad is in its freshness! If you want to round out leftovers, simply toss with a fresh handful of spinach and a drizzle of dressing before serving chilled.
FAQs
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Can I make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Simply prepare all the components in advance, but keep the dressing separate from the salad until just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and the flavors bold.
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What’s the best way to crumble goat cheese without making a mess?
Chill the goat cheese in the freezer for about 5 minutes before crumbling. This little trick helps you break it into perfect, creamy chunks that hold their shape and don’t stick to your fingers as much!
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Can I substitute feta for goat cheese in this recipe?
Definitely! Feta is a great stand-in if you don’t have goat cheese—its tanginess pairs beautifully with strawberries and spinach. Try to use a block of feta for best texture and flavor.
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What protein can I add to make this salad more filling?
Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or even tofu are wonderful, protein-packed additions that can turn Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese into a complete and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the burst of flavors, colors, and textures in every bite of this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary meal into something truly memorable—so why not give it a try and share the joy?
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
A delightful and refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring a mix of baby spinach, fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
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, untreated
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl or shake in a covered jar until emulsified. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad: Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If making ahead, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately and mix them just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 5g
- Sodium: Approx. 200mg
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 12g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 8g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 15mg
