Print

Spicy Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Herb Lemon Vinaigrette

spicy strawberry goat cheese salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh and vibrant salad combining sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and a spicy herb lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, mixed lettuces)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the mixed greens under cold water and spin dry or pat gently with a clean towel. Transfer to a large salad bowl.
  2. Hull and slice fresh strawberries into thin, even pieces. Add to the salad bowl with greens.
  3. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add pecans or walnuts. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings, then add to the salad bowl.
  5. Finely chop basil and parsley, then add to the salad bowl.
  6. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  8. Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted nuts on top, then drizzle remaining dressing if desired.
  9. Give everything one last gentle toss just before serving.

Notes

Use fresh ripe strawberries for best flavor. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Make vinaigrette ahead and store in fridge up to 3 days. Toss salad just before serving to keep greens crisp. Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level. Substitute goat cheese with feta or plant-based cheese for dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, goat cheese salad, spicy salad, herb lemon vinaigrette, healthy salad, quick salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/spicy-strawberry-goat-cheese-salad-recipe-easy-herb-lemon-vinaigrette/