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- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and gently dried - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced The base of this strawberry spinach goat cheese salad is fresh spinach and strawberries. Spinach gives a nice crunch and health benefits. Strawberries add sweetness and color. Always choose bright, firm strawberries. They should smell sweet. Wash the spinach carefully to remove dirt. Dry it gently to keep it crisp. - 1/2 cup creamy goat cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped Creamy goat cheese brings a rich flavor. It pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Crumble it over the salad for a delightful touch. Walnuts add a nice crunch. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor. You can use other nuts if you prefer. Almonds or pecans also work well. - 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon raw honey - Fresh salt and cracked black pepper, to taste The dressing makes this salad shine. Aged balsamic vinegar adds depth and tang. Olive oil keeps it smooth and rich. Raw honey balances the acidity with some sweetness. Season with fresh salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Mix these well to get a nice blend. Just a drizzle over the salad makes a world of difference. You can find the full recipe for the perfect balance. First, wash the fresh spinach leaves. I like to rinse them well under cold water. This helps remove any dirt. After washing, dry the spinach gently using a clean towel or salad spinner. Next, take the strawberries. Use a small knife to hull them, removing the green tops. Slice the strawberries thinly for easy mixing. In a large mixing bowl, add the spinach. Then, fold in the sliced strawberries. Make sure the strawberries are mixed well with the spinach. This allows their juices to blend. Next, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese on top. Add the toasted walnuts for extra crunch. Lastly, include the thin slices of red onion for a nice flavor contrast. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small jar, mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Close the jar and shake it well. This makes a smooth dressing. Drizzle it over the salad. Be gentle when tossing so the goat cheese stays intact. Now, it’s time to serve! Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. You want the flavors to mix, but not mush everything together. For a nice presentation, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Add extra slices of strawberries and a sprinkle of goat cheese on top. For an elegant touch, drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction around the plate. Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish! To elevate the taste of your salad, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dressing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint can also brighten each bite. You can balance the sweetness of strawberries with a splash of lemon juice. This small adjustment adds a nice zing to the mix. Fresh ingredients are key. Use crisp spinach and ripe strawberries for the best results. Make sure to wash and dry spinach well. This keeps it from getting soggy. Also, serve the salad right after mixing to keep its crunch. You can prepare the dressing in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just shake it well before using. If you need a simple dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, and honey in a jar. This saves time and adds great flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach & Strawberry Goat Cheese Delight. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the nutrition of your salad by adding proteins. Grilled chicken makes a great choice. It adds flavor and texture. Shrimp is another tasty option. Just grill or sauté it lightly. For a vegan twist, try chickpeas. They provide protein and a creamy texture. Simply rinse canned chickpeas and toss them in. While goat cheese shines in this salad, you can swap it out. Feta cheese offers a salty kick. Blue cheese can add a bold flavor, too. If you prefer a non-dairy option, look for plant-based cheeses. Many brands offer creamy choices that mimic goat cheese well. This salad is flexible. You can use other fruits based on the season. Apples add a nice crunch, while pears bring sweetness. Feel free to adjust greens, too. In the winter, kale or arugula works well. They provide a different flavor and texture. Enjoy experimenting with what you have on hand. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach & Strawberry Goat Cheese Delight. To keep your Strawberry Spinach Goat Cheese Salad fresh in the fridge, follow these tips: - Use an airtight container: This helps prevent the salad from wilting. - Store dressing separately: Add it just before serving to keep greens crisp. - Keep it cool: Place the salad in the coldest part of the fridge. These steps ensure your salad stays tasty for up to three days. Salads are tricky for long-term storage. Here’s what to know: - Freezing ingredients: I do not recommend freezing this salad. Spinach and strawberries lose texture. - Making dressing in bulk: You can prepare extra dressing. Store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using. If you have leftovers, here are some tips: - Serve cold: This salad tastes best chilled. - Revitalizing wilted greens: If your spinach wilts, rinse it in cold water. Dry it gently. This helps restore some crispness. For the freshest experience, enjoy your salad within a few days. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To make this salad, start with fresh ingredients. Here are the key steps: - Gather 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves. - Take 1 cup of fresh strawberries and slice them thin. - Crumble 1/2 cup of creamy goat cheese. - Lightly toast and chop 1/4 cup of walnuts. - Slice 1/4 cup of red onion very thin. - For the dressing, mix 2 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Add fresh salt and pepper to taste. Combine the spinach and strawberries in a bowl. Gently mix in the goat cheese, walnuts, and onion. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a jar and drizzle it over the salad. Toss gently to combine without breaking the cheese. This salad is fresh, tasty, and ready in just ten minutes. For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can prepare parts of this salad ahead of time. Here’s how: - Wash and dry the spinach and store it in a container. - Slice the strawberries and keep them in an airtight container. However, wait to mix everything together until you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. You can also make the dressing a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, and shake well before use. If you don't have goat cheese, you can try these substitutes: - Feta cheese offers a similar tangy flavor. - Blue cheese gives a bold taste and creamy texture. - For a dairy-free option, use cashew cheese or tofu feta. Each option adds a different twist to your salad, so feel free to experiment with flavors and textures! This blog post covered how to make a fresh and tasty Strawberry Spinach Goat Cheese Salad. We explored the key ingredients, including vibrant greens and creamy cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and serve the salad. Tips on flavor, texture, and storage will improve your results. Lastly, I offered variations to customize your salad. Enjoy making this salad; it’s a simple way to add freshness to your meals!

Strawberry Spinach Goat Cheese Salad

Discover the refreshing Spinach & Strawberry Goat Cheese Delight that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant salad combines fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts for a delicious flavor experience. With a simple homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and honey, each bite is bursting with taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal with this stunning dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and gently dried

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced

1/2 cup creamy goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, paper-thin sliced

2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon raw honey

Fresh salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, add the freshly washed and dried spinach leaves.

    Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, allowing their juices to mix with the greens.

      Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top, followed by the toasted walnut pieces, adding a delightful crunch.

        Scatter the delicate slices of red onion to introduce a sweet and slightly sharp flavor.

          In a small mixing jar or bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.

            Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad components, and with a gentle motion, toss everything together. Be careful to retain the integrity of the goat cheese while mixing.

              After combining, take a moment to taste the salad; adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Serve this fresh and vibrant salad immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and bright flavors.

                - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with extra slices of strawberries and a sprinkle of goat cheese. A small drizzle of balsamic reduction on the plate can elevate the visual appeal.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4