Description
This Healthy Strawberry Salad combines juicy fresh strawberries, tender spring greens, creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and a sweet and tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy no-cook salad makes a refreshing side dish, light lunch, or colorful summer dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Strawberry Salad:”,
- “5 ounces spring salad mix”,
- “10 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced”,
- “1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced”,
- “1/3 cup sliced almonds”,
- “1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese”,
- “”,
- “For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:”,
- “1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil”,
- “1/4 cup balsamic vinegar”,
- “1 tablespoon honey”,
- “2 teaspoons Dijon mustard”,
- “1 garlic clove, minced”,
- “1/4 teaspoon kosher salt”,
- “1 pinch freshly ground black pepper”
Instructions
- “Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette: Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined.”,
- “Assemble the strawberry salad: Place the spring salad mix in a large serving bowl. Arrange the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese evenly over the greens.”,
- “Add the dressing and serve: Lightly drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to distribute the dressing without crushing the strawberries or damaging the tender greens. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
Choose ripe, deep red strawberries that yield slightly when gently pressed for the best sweetness and juiciness.
Replace spring salad mix with fresh baby spinach or arugula for a different flavor.
Use crumbled feta cheese instead of goat cheese if you prefer a saltier taste.
For a dairy-free salad, omit the cheese entirely.
Replace sliced almonds with chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
Lightly toast the almonds in a dry skillet to bring out their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Slice the red onion very thinly so its sharp taste does not overpower the strawberries.
For milder onion flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for several minutes, then drain thoroughly.
Replace the balsamic vinaigrette with a lemon dressing for a brighter citrus flavor.
Omit the honey from the dressing if you prefer to avoid added sweeteners.
Start with a small amount of dressing to keep the greens crisp and prevent sogginess.
For a more filling dinner, add diced herb-baked chicken and fresh avocado.
Add avocado just before serving to help prevent browning.
For advance preparation, slice the strawberries and prepare the dressing up to one day ahead. Refrigerate each component separately.
Assemble the salad and add the dressing immediately before serving.
Store leftover dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 days. The greens will gradually soften.
