Apricot Burrata Arugula Salad with Prosciutto & Honey Balsamic Dressing

This apricot burrata arugula salad with prosciutto and honey balsamic dressing is fresh, creamy, sweet, salty, and full of elevated summer flavor. Made with juicy fresh apricots, creamy burrata cheese, peppery arugula, delicate prosciutto, toasted almond slices, and a homemade honey balsamic dressing, this beautiful summer salad feels straight from a cozy coastal café or winery lunch.

Summer Hosting Essentials

I linked some of my favorite serving pieces, entertaining finds, and elevated summer hosting essentials I love using for recipes like this in my Summer Hosting Essentials collection.

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Apricot burrata arugula salad topped with prosciutto and sliced almonds.
Fresh summer apricot salad with creamy burrata and arugula.
Burrata salad with ripe apricots, prosciutto, and honey balsamic dressing.
Homemade apricot arugula salad recipe for summer entertaining.
Prosciutto burrata salad with fresh apricots and toasted almonds.

If you love fresh seasonal salads, easy summer entertaining recipes, or restaurant-style meals at home, this apricot burrata salad is the perfect combination of elegant and effortless. If you love fresh burrata recipes, you may also enjoy my Melon Burrata Salad Recipe.

The creamy burrata paired with sweet apricots, salty prosciutto, crunchy almonds, and rich honey balsamic dressing creates a flavor combination that feels luxurious while still being incredibly simple to make.

If you love elevated summer recipes, you may also enjoy my Apricot Puff Pastry Turnovers with Honey Glaze & Sliced Almonds and Personal Pear Tarts recipes.

Apricot Burrata Salad Recipe

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 15 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Category: Salad / Lunch / Summer Recipes

  • Flavor: Fresh, creamy, sweet & savory

Save this apricot burrata salad recipe for summer lunches, brunch gatherings, wine nights, and cozy entertaining at home.

Why You’ll Love This Apricot Burrata Salad

This summer burrata salad is:

  • fresh and flavorful

  • sweet and savory

  • easy yet elevated

  • beautiful for entertaining

  • perfect for warm weather

  • packed with seasonal ingredients

  • restaurant-quality while simple to make

The combination of creamy burrata, ripe apricots, peppery arugula, salty prosciutto, toasted almonds, and honey balsamic dressing creates the ultimate cozy summer salad. If you enjoy fresh summer salads, you may also love my Pear & Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Burrata adds rich creamy texture

  • Fresh apricots bring juicy sweetness

  • Arugula balances with peppery flavor

  • Prosciutto adds salty savory contrast

  • Toasted almonds create crunch

  • Honey balsamic dressing ties everything together beautifully

Every ingredient adds a different texture and flavor, creating a balanced summer salad that feels elegant and satisfying.

Summer Apricot Salad Recipe

Fresh apricots are one of the best summer fruits for salads because they add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and juicy texture. Paired with creamy burrata and salty prosciutto, this fresh apricot salad feels light, luxurious, and perfect for warm weather meals.

This salad is ideal for:

  • summer lunches

  • brunch spreads

  • winery-inspired meals

  • dinner parties

  • outdoor entertaining

  • girls lunches

  • coastal-inspired gatherings

If you love cozy summer fruit recipes, you may also enjoy my Brown Butter Peach Pie with Crumble Topping & Caramel Drizzle and Melon Burrata Salad Recipe.

Apricot salad drizzled with homemade honey balsamic dressing.
Summer burrata salad with arugula, apricots, and sliced prosciutto.
Fresh apricot salad served with creamy burrata cheese and greens.
Cozy summer salad recipe with burrata, apricots, and arugula.
Bakery-style summer salad with stone fruit and creamy burrata.

Ingredients for Apricot Burrata Arugula Salad

Salad

  • 5 oz arugula

  • 2 burrata balls

  • 4–5 fresh apricots, sliced

  • 4–6 slices prosciutto

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

  • Fresh basil (optional)

Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Apricot Burrata Salad

Step 1: Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

  • olive oil

  • balsamic vinegar

  • honey

  • Dijon mustard

  • salt and pepper

Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Arrange arugula on a large serving platter or bowl.

Top with:

  • sliced apricots

  • torn prosciutto

  • toasted almond slices

This salad pairs beautifully with light summer meals like my Southwestern Chop Salad Recipe or Grilled Chicken Mexican Street Corn & Cucumber Salad.

Step 3: Add the Burrata

Place burrata on top of the salad and gently tear slightly open.

The creamy burrata creates a rich luxurious texture throughout the salad.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Drizzle generously with honey balsamic dressing.

Top with:

  • additional almonds

  • fresh basil

  • cracked black pepper

Serve immediately with crusty bread, crostini, or chilled white wine.

Tips for the Best Burrata Salad

Use Ripe Fresh Apricots

Ripe apricots create the best sweetness and texture.

Toast the Almonds

Toasting adds richer flavor and crunch.

Serve Immediately

Burrata salads are best fresh after assembling.

Use Good Quality Burrata

Creamy fresh burrata makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

Apricot prosciutto salad with honey balsamic glaze and almonds.
Summer salad with prosciutto, burrata, apricots, and arugula.
Elevated summer salad recipe with burrata and seasonal apricots.
Stone fruit burrata salad with arugula and prosciutto slices.

Why Burrata Salads Are So Popular

Burrata salads have become increasingly popular because they combine creamy cheese, fresh seasonal produce, and elevated flavors in a simple but beautiful way. Burrata pairs especially well with fruit like peaches, apricots, berries, and tomatoes, making it perfect for cozy summer entertaining and restaurant-style meals at home.

The combination of sweet fruit, creamy cheese, salty prosciutto, and flavorful dressings creates balanced dishes that feel elegant while still being approachable. For more elevated salad inspiration, try my Fully Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad or Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute peaches for apricots?

Yes! Peaches work beautifully in this salad.

What is burrata?

Burrata is a soft Italian cheese with a creamy center similar to fresh mozzarella.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients ahead, but assemble right before serving for best texture.

What pairs well with apricot burrata salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with wine, crostini, grilled chicken, or fresh sourdough bread.

Other Cozy Summer Recipes

If you love elevated summer recipes and bakery-style dishes, you may also enjoy:

Final Thoughts on This Apricot Burrata Salad

This apricot burrata arugula salad with prosciutto and honey balsamic dressing is everything a cozy summer recipe should be — fresh, creamy, flavorful, beautiful, and effortlessly elevated.

The sweet apricots, creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, crunchy almonds, and rich honey balsamic dressing create a restaurant-quality salad perfect for warm summer days, winery-inspired lunches, and cozy entertaining at home.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a girls lunch, or simply craving a fresh seasonal recipe, this apricot burrata salad is sure to become a summer favorite.

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning ahead for a special occasion or adding a new favorite to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and share with the people you love.

Printable Apricot Burrata Arugula Salad recipe card featuring fresh apricots, creamy burrata cheese, peppery arugula, prosciutto, toasted almonds, and a homemade honey balsamic dressing in an elegant cookbook-style design by Amanda Warren.
Easy burrata salad recipe perfect for brunch or summer dinners.
Elegant summer entertaining salad with apricots and burrata cheese.
Homemade burrata arugula salad topped with fresh apricots.
Fresh arugula salad with apricots, burrata, and sliced almonds.
Apricot brunch salad with creamy burrata and honey dressing.
Easy apricot salad recipe perfect for summer hosting and brunch.
Burrata salad topped with honey balsamic dressing and almonds.

Peach & Goat Cheese Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing

There are certain recipes that just taste like summer, and this Peach & Goat Cheese Salad is one of them. Juicy ripe peaches, creamy goat cheese and homemade candied walnuts are layered over fresh arugula and spinach before everything is tossed with a homemade sweet balsamic dressing.

It has that combination I always love in a salad—something sweet, something creamy and something crunchy—all tied together with a dressing that balances the flavors without overpowering them.

This is an easy salad to make for a summer lunch or dinner, but it's beautiful enough to bring to a gathering or serve when you're having people over. And when peaches are at their best, you really don't need to do much to make them shine.

Peach and goat cheese salad with candied walnuts and sweet balsamic dressing

Why You'll Love This Peach & Goat Cheese Salad

This salad is simple, but every ingredient brings something different to the table.

  • Fresh peaches add natural sweetness and a juicy bite.

  • Goat cheese brings a creamy, tangy contrast to the fruit.

  • Candied walnuts give the salad crunch with just the right amount of maple and brown sugar sweetness.

  • Arugula and spinach create a fresh base with a mix of peppery and mild greens.

  • Sweet balsamic dressing brings everything together with balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey and Dijon mustard.

The result is fresh and light while still having enough flavor and texture to make it feel special.

Summer peach salad with goat cheese, arugula and candied walnuts

Ingredient Notes

Fresh Peaches

The peaches are the star of this salad, so this is one recipe where using ripe, in-season fruit makes a difference.

Look for peaches that have a little give when gently pressed but are still firm enough to slice. You want them sweet and juicy without becoming too soft when the salad is tossed.

Their natural sweetness is such a good contrast to the tangy goat cheese and balsamic dressing.

Goat Cheese

Creamy goat cheese adds richness and tang without making the salad feel heavy. I like leaving some of the crumbles a little larger so you get those creamy bites throughout the salad.

If you're a fellow goat cheese lover, my Berry Walnut Goat Cheese Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette is another fresh summer salad to save.

Arugula + Baby Spinach

Using both gives you the best of each green. Arugula has a slightly peppery flavor that works beautifully with peaches, while baby spinach is tender and mild.

Together they create a fresh base without competing with all of the other flavors we're adding.

Candied Walnuts

The candied walnuts might be one of my favorite parts of this salad.

Instead of adding plain walnuts, they're quickly coated with maple syrup and brown sugar. Once they cool, you get that sweet crunch that works so well with the juicy peaches and creamy goat cheese.

Sweet Balsamic Dressing

The homemade dressing is a simple combination of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey and Dijon mustard.

It's sweet and tangy with just enough Dijon to balance everything out, and it ties together the peaches, creamy goat cheese and peppery greens.

Ingredients for peach and goat cheese salad with balsamic dressing
Fresh peaches, goat cheese and candied walnuts over arugula and spinach

Amanda's Tips for the Best Peach Salad

Use Ripe but Firm Peaches

You want the peaches sweet and juicy, but they should still be firm enough to hold their shape when sliced and tossed with the salad.

Let the Candied Walnuts Cool

The walnuts will firm up as they cool, so give them a little time before adding them to the greens. This is what gives you that great crunchy texture.

Wait to Add the Dressing

Don't dress the salad too far ahead of serving. Tossing it shortly before it reaches the table keeps the arugula and spinach fresh.

Save Some Toppings for the End

I add about three-quarters of the peaches, goat cheese and walnuts before tossing and save the rest for the top.

It's such a simple trick, but it keeps all of those beautiful ingredients visible instead of letting them disappear into the greens.

Start With Less Dressing

You don't necessarily need to pour all of the dressing onto the salad at once. Start with enough to lightly coat the greens, toss and then add more as needed.

I love serving salads like this in a large shallow serving bowl so there's plenty of room to gently toss everything together without crushing the peaches or goat cheese.

For the dressing, I usually whisk everything together in a small glass mixing bowl before pouring it over the salad. It's simple, but having a smaller bowl makes it much easier to get the dressing completely combined before adding it to the greens.

Sweet balsamic dressing poured over peach and goat cheese salad

What to Serve with Peach & Goat Cheese Salad

This salad works beautifully as a lighter lunch on its own, but it's also an easy side dish for summer dinners, cookouts and gatherings.

Serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak, or add a simple protein directly to the salad to make it more substantial.

For another salad that works especially well as a summer meal, try my Grilled Chicken, Mexican Street Corn & Cucumber Salad.

And once summer peaches give way to fall produce, my Pear & Pomegranate Arugula Salad has that same sweet-and-savory combination with seasonal flavors.

Fresh peach arugula salad with goat cheese and walnuts

Peach & Goat Cheese Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing

This fresh summer salad combines ripe peaches, creamy goat cheese, homemade candied walnuts and mixed greens with an easy sweet balsamic dressing.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 5 cups arugula

  • 5 cups baby spinach

  • 2 ripe peaches, sliced

  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

For the Candied Walnuts

  • 2 cups walnuts

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Sweet Balsamic Dressing

  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Make the Candied Walnuts

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a pan, melt together the maple syrup and brown sugar, stirring until combined and bubbling. Add the walnuts and toss until evenly coated.

Transfer the walnuts to the prepared baking sheet and separate them so they don't stick together. Let them cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

2. Make the Sweet Balsamic Dressing

Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey and Dijon mustard until combined.

If the dressing is thicker than you'd like, add a small amount of hot water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Taste and adjust as desired.

3. Assemble the Salad

Add the arugula and baby spinach to a large bowl and toss together.

Add about three-quarters of the sliced peaches, goat cheese and cooled candied walnuts.

4. Dress the Salad

Drizzle the sweet balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together.

Start with enough dressing to lightly coat the greens and add more as desired.

5. Finish and Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving dish if desired.

Arrange the remaining peaches, goat cheese and candied walnuts over the top for a beautiful finish.

Serve and enjoy!

Amanda's Tip

Save some of the peaches, goat cheese and candied walnuts to add after tossing the salad. You'll still get all of those flavors throughout, but the finished salad will look so much prettier when it reaches the table.

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning ahead for a summer gathering or simply looking for a fresh salad to make while peaches are in season, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print and come back to later.

Peach and goat cheese salad with sweet balsamic dressing recipe card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Peach Salad Ahead of Time?

You can prepare several of the components ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to assemble and dress the salad until shortly before serving.

The candied walnuts and sweet balsamic dressing can both be prepared ahead and stored separately. Slice the peaches and assemble the salad closer to serving so the greens stay crisp and the peaches look their freshest.

Can I Make the Sweet Balsamic Dressing Ahead of Time?

Yes. Make the dressing ahead and store it separately until you're ready to assemble the salad. Whisk or shake it again before serving if the ingredients have separated.

Can I Make the Candied Walnuts Ahead of Time?

Yes. Allow the candied walnuts to cool completely before storing them. Add them to the salad shortly before serving so they keep their crunchy texture.

Can I Use a Different Nut?

Yes. Walnuts are what I use in this recipe, but toasted almonds, pecans or sunflower seeds can also add a nice crunch.

What Greens Are Best for Peach Salad?

I love the combination of baby spinach and arugula. The spinach is mild and tender while the arugula adds a slightly peppery flavor that works beautifully with sweet peaches.

When Should I Add the Dressing?

Wait until shortly before serving to add the sweet balsamic dressing. This helps keep the arugula and spinach fresh instead of letting the greens become weighed down by the dressing.

More Salad Recipes You'll Love

If you love salads with that mix of fresh fruit, creamy cheese and plenty of texture, here are a few more recipes to try:

Final Thoughts

Summer peaches don't need much to turn them into something special, and I think that's what I love most about this salad.

The juicy peaches, creamy goat cheese and sweet candied walnuts bring so much flavor and texture on their own, while the homemade sweet balsamic dressing ties everything together.

It's simple enough to make for lunch at home but pretty enough to put in the middle of the table when we're having people over—which is always my favorite kind of recipe.

If you make this Peach & Goat Cheese Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing, I hope it becomes one of those recipes you look forward to making every summer when peaches are finally at their best.

Easy summer peach and goat cheese salad with homemade balsamic dressing

Berry Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

There are some recipes that are just as pretty on the table as they are delicious, and this berry goat cheese salad is absolutely one of them.

Fresh strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are layered over spinach with creamy goat cheese and sweet candied walnuts, then everything gets tossed in a homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. It's fresh and colorful, with that perfect combination of sweet, tangy, creamy and crunchy in every bite.

I originally made this salad for lunch outside, surrounded by trees and greenery, and looking back at these photos it almost feels like we were having lunch in a little wooded fairy garden. It's exactly the kind of meal I love serving when the weather is warm—beautiful enough for a spring or summer gathering but simple enough to make for lunch at home.

Berry goat cheese salad with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and candied walnuts served at an outdoor garden table.

A Salad Made for Spring and Summer

One of my favorite things about this salad is how naturally beautiful it is.

You have deep green spinach, bright strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, creamy white goat cheese and glossy candied walnuts. It doesn't need much styling once it's assembled because the ingredients do all of the work.

That makes it especially good for entertaining.

Fresh berry goat cheese salad with spinach, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and candied walnuts.

Serve it for Easter, Mother's Day, a bridal or baby shower, a spring lunch or an easy summer dinner outside. It works beautifully as a side salad, but you can easily add grilled chicken or salmon and turn it into a complete meal.

Outdoor summer garden lunch table surrounded by trees and greenery with fresh berry salad.

What's in This Berry Goat Cheese Salad?

The ingredient list is simple, but each piece gives the salad something different.

Spinach creates a mild, fresh base that lets the berries stand out.

Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries add sweetness, color and a little tartness.

Goat cheese gives you that creamy, tangy contrast against the fruit.

And then there are the candied walnuts.

Those might be my favorite part.

Spinach salad topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, goat cheese and candied walnuts.

Don't Skip the Candied Walnuts

You could absolutely use plain toasted walnuts, but taking a few extra minutes to candy them makes such a difference.

For this recipe, I cook the walnuts with maple syrup and brown sugar until they're glossy and coated, then spread them onto parchment paper to cool.

You get these little bites of sweet crunch throughout the salad that work so well against the creamy goat cheese and fresh berries.

Fresh spinach salad with berries, creamy goat cheese and homemade maple candied walnuts.

Amanda's Tip: Make the candied walnuts first. They'll have time to cool and crisp while you prepare the dressing and assemble the rest of the salad.

Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

The dressing is what brings everything together.

Fresh strawberries are blended with balsamic vinegar, raw honey, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to make a simple strawberry balsamic vinaigrette.

You still get the depth and tanginess of balsamic, but blending fresh strawberries directly into the dressing gives it a little natural sweetness and makes it perfect for this salad.

Berry spinach salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts served with homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette.

If you love homemade dressings, this is also an easy one to make ahead. Blend it, refrigerate it in a sealed container and give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Setting a Garden Table for Lunch

This salad always makes me think of eating outside.

When I photographed this particular lunch at our old house, the table was tucked into so much greenery that it felt almost like dining in the middle of a little wooded garden.

Beautiful outdoor lunch table set among trees and greenery for a spring or summer meal.

And honestly, the setting didn't need much.

When you're surrounded by that much natural greenery, I think it's prettier to let the setting do most of the decorating. A thoughtfully set table, pretty serving pieces and colorful food are enough.

Summer outdoor table setting surrounded by lush greenery for an elegant garden lunch.

This is one of the reasons I love recipes like this for entertaining. The salad itself becomes part of the tablescape.

Shop My Summer Table & Kitchen Favorites

I've linked some of my favorite pieces for serving salads, setting a simple outdoor table and making homemade dressings below.

How to Assemble the Salad

I have one little trick when assembling salads with lots of toppings: don't put everything on top at once.

Start with the spinach and add about half of the berries, goat cheese and candied walnuts. Add some dressing and gently toss everything together.

Then transfer the salad to your serving bowl or platter and scatter the remaining berries, goat cheese and walnuts over the top.

Overhead view of berry spinach salad topped with goat cheese, fresh berries and candied walnuts.

That way, every bite is actually dressed and has some of the toppings in it, but you still get that beautiful finished salad with all of the color visible on top.

Easy Variations

This is also a very forgiving salad.

Use raspberries when they're in season. Swap the goat cheese for feta if that's what you prefer. Pecans work beautifully in place of walnuts, and you can use mixed greens or arugula instead of spinach.

For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, salmon or even quinoa.

Colorful summer spinach salad with mixed berries, goat cheese and candied walnuts.

I wouldn't change too much at once, though. The combination of berries + creamy cheese + candied nuts + balsamic is what makes this one so good.

What to Serve with Berry Goat Cheese Salad

For lunch, I could happily eat this with a crusty baguette and call it a meal.

For dinner or entertaining, serve it alongside grilled chicken or salmon. It's also a beautiful fresh contrast to a creamy soup.

Try it with my Creamy Basil Tomato Soup, Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup, French Onion & Shallot Soup, or Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup.

Make It Ahead

Most of this salad can be prepared ahead, which is another reason I love it for entertaining.

Make the candied walnuts ahead and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Blend the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette and refrigerate it separately.

Wash and dry your berries and greens, but keep all of the salad components separate until you're ready to serve.

Wait to add the dressing until just before serving. That's what keeps the spinach fresh instead of soggy.

Berry Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 10 cups fresh spinach

  • ¼ cup fresh strawberries, sliced

  • ¼ cup fresh blackberries

  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries

  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

For the Candied Walnuts

  • 2 cups walnuts

  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup fresh strawberries, stems removed

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

  • ¼ cup raw honey

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Candied Walnuts

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Add the maple syrup and brown sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is combined and bubbling.

Add the walnuts and stir until evenly coated.

Transfer the walnuts to the prepared parchment-lined pan and separate them so they don't cool in one large cluster. Let cool completely while you prepare the rest of the salad.

2. Make the Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Add ¼ cup strawberries, balsamic vinegar, raw honey, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to a blender.

Blend until completely smooth. Set aside until you're ready to assemble the salad.

3. Assemble the Salad

Add the spinach to a large serving bowl.

Add approximately half of the sliced strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, goat cheese and candied walnuts.

Drizzle with your desired amount of strawberry balsamic vinaigrette and gently toss.

Top the salad with the remaining berries, goat cheese and candied walnuts so all of those beautiful colors and textures are visible.

Serve immediately with additional vinaigrette on the side.

Amanda's Notes

Make the walnuts first. Giving them time to cool allows the maple-brown sugar coating to set before you add them to the salad.

Dress just before serving. Don't toss the spinach with vinaigrette until you're ready to eat.

Add the toppings in two stages. Tossing half into the salad distributes everything evenly, while saving the other half for the top gives you that beautiful finished presentation.

Make it a meal. Add grilled chicken or salmon for an easy spring or summer dinner.

Swap the greens. Arugula or mixed greens are both delicious alternatives to spinach.

How to Store Leftovers

Once dressed, this salad is best enjoyed right away.

If you know you'll have leftovers, only dress the portion you're serving. Keep the spinach, berries, goat cheese, candied walnuts and dressing stored separately in the refrigerator.

Keep the candied walnuts in a sealed container at room temperature once completely cooled so they maintain their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make berry goat cheese salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the candied walnuts and strawberry balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time and keep the salad ingredients separate. Assemble and dress the salad immediately before serving.

Can I substitute feta for goat cheese?

Yes. Feta will give the salad a slightly different flavor and texture but works beautifully with fresh berries and balsamic vinaigrette.

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?

Absolutely. Candied pecans are an easy substitute for the walnuts and work well with the berries and goat cheese.

What protein goes well with berry salad?

Grilled chicken and salmon are both great additions if you'd like to turn this salad into a complete meal.

Can I use a different green instead of spinach?

Yes. Try arugula for a pepperier flavor or your favorite mixed greens for a lighter texture.

Why should I wait to dress the salad?

Adding vinaigrette too early can cause the spinach to wilt. For the freshest texture, toss the salad with dressing immediately before serving.

Elegant outdoor garden lunch table setting surrounded by trees and summer greenery.

More Salad Recipes

If you love a salad that's substantial enough to become part of the meal, try my Pear & Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, Italian Chopped Salad Jars, Spinach Salad with Warm Shallot Dressing, Apples & Pistachios, or Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans.

Shop My Kitchen & Entertaining Favorites

I've linked some of my favorite pieces for making homemade dressings, serving big salads and setting a simple table for lunch outside.

Kitchen Favorites

Entertaining Favorites

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning a spring lunch, summer dinner or simply want a new salad to add to your weekly rotation, save this one for later.

Printable Berry Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts and Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe card.

Gather Around the Table

Some meals seem made for eating outside.

This is one of them.

A big bowl of colorful salad, something cold to drink, bread on the table and nowhere you need to be for a little while.

Looking back at these photos from our old home, I love how tucked away this table felt among all of the trees and greenery. It was the kind of spot that made an ordinary lunch feel a little magical.

And I think that's part of why I love setting a table—even for something as simple as salad.

The food brings everyone there. The setting makes you want to stay.