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Strawberry-and-Goat-Cheese-Salad-Recipe

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad

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Savor the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries and creamy goat cheese in this quick and healthy salad. It’s a refreshing choice for a light dinner or lunch with easy prep and vibrant flavors!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar good quality
  • 2 tablespoons real maple syrup increase to 3 tablespoons for a sweeter dressing
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil may also use regular vegetable oil
  • ½ small shallot finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 5-ounce container baby greens (such as arugula, spinach, spring mix — i like a mix of arugula and spring mix)
  • 8 ounces strawberries hulled and sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced (see expert tips for mellowing the flavor)
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
  • 12 tablespoons water
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Soak the sliced red onions in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain well before adding to the salad.
  2. For the candied pecans, line a ¼ sheet pan with parchment paper. Over medium heat in a small skillet, combine brown sugar, water (start with 1 tablespoon), vanilla, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until melted and bubbly.
  3. Add the pecans to the skillet, stirring until coated and nutty, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, add the remaining water. Spread the pecans on the sheet pan and let them cool.
  4. In a small bowl or lidded jar, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, minced shallot, and kosher salt. Shake or whisk until well combined and refrigerate until needed.
  5. If the dressing is made in advance, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving, shaking well to recombine.

Last Step:

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Notes

For a sweeter dressing, increase maple syrup to 3 tablespoons.
Mellow the flavor of red onions by soaking them in ice water before adding to the salad.
Allow the dressing to return to room temperature after chilling to ensure proper consistency.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg