Enjoy this Irresistibly Delicious Berry Walnut Goat Cheese Salad With A Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing!
/When it comes to salads that wow the taste buds and are equally as visually stunning, few can compete with this berry walnut goat cheese salad with a strawberry vinaigrette. This salad is a symphony of flavors that hits all the right notes. With the tangy richness of goat cheese mixing with the natural sweetness of strawberries and berries, all tied beautifully with a sweet and tangy strawberry vinaigrette, this salad is so refreshing . Join me as we explore the pieces that make this salad an excellent choice, and how you can easily prepare it for any occasion. It really makes for the ultimate summertime or warm weather salad!
Not only is this salad visually stunning with its beautiful colors of red, white, and green, but it is also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish, it offers a gourmet experience without the fuss. It is ideal for those seeking balanced yet filling meal options that are so hard to come by.
Variations on Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
The salad's base of fresh and ripe berries, such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries forms its natural sweetness and visual appeal. These berries are not only rich in flavor but also in nutritional benefits. Creamy goat cheese adds a tangy richness that perfectly balances the berries natural tartness. Crunchy walnuts complement this with a nice texture contrast and are a great source of healthy fats and proteins. The luscious strawberry vinaigrette, made from fresh strawberries, vinegar, and a hint of honey, perfectly ties these flavors together, thanks to its sweet and tangy profile. For those looking to tailor the salad to personal preferences or dietary needs, several substitutions can easily be made.
Berry substitute: Use raspberries instead of strawberries, blackberries or blueberries for variety.
Cheese substitute: Swap goat cheese with feta for a different tangy flavor, both equally delicious.
Nut choices: Pecans can replace walnuts for a similar crunch and nutritional value.
Vinaigrette twist: Incorporate balsamic vinegar instead of strawberry for a richer dressing.
Ingredient swaps: Experiment with mixed greens or add quinoa for added texture and nutrients.
Flavor enhancers: Incorporate a touch of crushed black pepper or fresh herbs like mint.
Be ready to impress your guests with a visually appealing, nutritious salad that's easy to customize according to your preferences. Having flexibility in the kitchen really opens the door for new flavor options and finding how you'll best enjoy your salad.
What to Serve with This Strawberry Salad
Pairing the strawberry walnut goat cheese salad with the right foods elevates the whole meal experience. Grilled chicken or salmon can transform the salad into a refreshing, protein-rich main course. Complement the salads bright flavors with a side of crusty baguette or artisan bread, adding a satisfying and tasty texture. A light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can really balance the flavors nicely and who doesn't love adding wine. For a comforting meal combo, consider adding a creamy soup, such as butternut squash or tomato bisque. An elegant cheese plate featuring mild varieties like brie or camembert is another excellent choice that mixes perfectly with the flavors.
Soup recipes to combo with for a complete meal:
Deliciously Creamy Basil Tomato Soup: An Easy and Delicious Recipe
An Alluring Combination: French Onion & Shallot Soup Recipe
The Ultimate Guide to Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Strawberry Nutrition Benefits
Strawberries offer numerous health benefits as part of this delightful salad. Rich in antioxidants, these berries help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which is important for overall wellness. Packed with vitamin C, strawberries boost your immune health while also helping collagen production necessary for vibrant skin. Their low-calorie yet high-fiber content makes them an excellent choice for promoting digestive health and supporting weight management. Additionally, strawberries are full of essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, which help in regulating blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health. Their natural sweetness combined with their nutrient profile make strawberries a delicious and wholesome addition to both salads and dressings.
As summer brings the warmth and sunshine, a refreshing strawberry goat cheese salad becomes the perfect plate for gatherings and picnics. This delightful dish features a delicious blend of fresh berries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Tossed in a tasty homemade strawberry vinaigrette, its full of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave you wanting more. The salad is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both casual and elegant summer occasions. As a healthy and decadent treat, it promises to make summer dining a memorable experience.
Let’s Talk About This Balsamic Vinaigrette
The balsamic vinaigrette is an important dressing that adds a sweet and tangy finish while enhancing the core flavors of the salad. It magnifies the freshness of the berries and complements the creamy texture of the goat cheese with its rich depth. Made with quality balsamic vinegar, this dressing provides a nice bold taste experience that adds depth to grilled meats as well. The vinaigrette balances classic and bold flavors and really turns any meal into gourmet status. Its versatility means that it can find a place in many meals, enriching both flavor and nutritional value.
Candied Walnuts… No Brainer!
Candied walnuts are the unsung hero in this salad, offering a delightful sweet crunch that enhances both texture and flavor. The quick preparation means they can easily be added to the salad with minimal effort. These candied nuts beautifully complement the creamy goat cheese and fresh berries and provide a perfect balance to the tangy strawberry vinaigrette. By incorporating candied walnuts, the salad gains a gourmet touch while requiring little additional effort, making them an essential component for anyone looking to elevate their dish to the next culinary level.
Make Strawberry Walnut Cheese Salad Ahead of Time
Easily enjoy the convenience of preparing your strawberry walnut cheese salad ahead of time while enhancing its flavors. Assemble the fresh berries, walnuts, and goat cheese, and store them separately until serving to maintain their optimal freshness. The strawberry vinaigrette can be mixed in advance as well, and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to blend together. To keep the salad components fresh and ready for assembly, use airtight containers, ensuring that each ingredient retains its crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Toss the salad with the strawberry vinaigrette just before serving for maximum freshness and a delightful taste experience.
- Early preparation: Mix ingredients separately and store.
- Vinaigrette planning: Allow dressing flavors to blend together in the fridge.
- Container tips: Airtight storage keeps components fresh.
- Serving trick: Dress just before serving for freshest flavors.
Putting together your own berry walnut goat cheese salad with a luscious strawberry vinaigrette dressing is a wonderful experience that rewards both the cook and those fortunate enough to enjoy it. The delicious mix of flavors and textures, combined with its visual appeal and healthful benefits, make this salad a shining star in any cook's lineup. Whether served as a light stand-alone meal or a sophisticated side dish, this salad delivers satisfaction with minimal effort, ensuring that any experience level of cooks can make this creation. So, embrace this irresistible summertime salad and let everyone you share it with taste the magic!
Ingredients
10 cups spinach
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, 1/4 for dressing
1/4 cup fresh blackberries
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 balsamic vinegar
1/4 raw honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 oz crumbled goat cheese
2 cups walnuts
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
1. Make candied walnuts so they can cool while you prepare rest of salad.
line baking sheet, I use my Jelly Roll Pan from 360 cookware -here-, with parchment paper and set aside.
In a pan, I use my 360 cookware 1 quart sauce pan -here-, melt together maple syrup and brown sugar until mixed and bubbling.
Add in pecans and coat. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and separate nuts so they don’t stick together. Let cool.
2. Make delicious strawberry balsamic salad dressing!
Add 1/4 cup strawberries (stems removed), balsamic vinegar, raw honey, cup olive oil, tsp sea salt, tsp pepper into blender and blend until smooth.
Place in bowl or dressing dish and set aside for later.
3. Assemble the salad. I like to put in half of the berries, half the goat cheese and half of the candied walnuts add dressing and toss. Once I plate the salad I add a little of each item on the top so you can see the full color and toppings! Serve & Enjoy!
Other Delicious Salad Recipes:
Delicious, Nutritious Pear & Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Savory Italian Chopped Salad Jar Recipe: A Symphony of Flavors in Every Bite
How to Make the Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad
Discover the Delightful Twist of Sweet Kale Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A Taste of the Southwest: Southwestern Chop Salad Recipe
The Perfect Summer Meal: Grilled Chicken, Mexican Street Corn & Cucumber Salad
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans
