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

Warm Up Your Evenings with Irresistibly Delicious Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup: A Comforting Meal You Can't-Miss!

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.

1. line baking sheet, I use my Jelly Roll Pan from 360 cookware -here-, with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a pan, I use my 360 cookware 1 quart sauce pan -here-, melt together maple syrup and brown sugar until mixed and bubbling.

3. 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!

1. 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.

2. 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

The Perfect Match: Grilled Steak & Blue Cheese Salad with Grilled Corn paired with J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

Transform Your Fall Meals with This Irresistible Spinach Salad Featuring A Warm Shallot Dressing, Apples, and Pistachios!

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

Transform Your Fall Meals with This Irresistible Spinach Salad Featuring A Warm Shallot Dressing, Apples, and Pistachios!

Many years ago, while dining at a restaurant in California I had the most delicious salad with a warm dressing. Although this isn't the most common dressing presentation, it was a wonderful surprise and one I always think about come the fall months. So, this is my take on that delightful salad made at home. The star of the dish is a warm shallot dressing that marries all the flavors together, adding a comforting, savory touch perfect for the cooler seasons. Fresh spinach leaves provide a nutritious base, packed with vitamins and a subtle earthiness that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Thinly sliced apples bring a hint of natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch, balancing out the richness of the dressing. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience. Additionally, chopped pistachios add an irresistible crunch to the texture and a burst of nutty flavor. This combination makes the salad not only delectable but also nourishing, adding an elegant yet simple touch to your fall meals.

A great salad is all about the right ingredients, and this Spinach Fall Salad is no exception. These are the key components you will need. The base of the salad, providing vibrant green color and nutritional benefits, such as vitamins A and C with the fresh spinach. Warm shallot dressing adds the rich, savory flavor that elevates the simple ingredients into a gourmet dish. The crisp apples bring a sweet and tangy crunch, adding both texture and an autumnal flair to the salad. Crunchy pistachios offer a nutty taste and additional crunch, enriching the salad’s overall texture and making each bite exciting. The salad is ultimately topped off with creamy goat cheese crumbles for a perfect balance.

Spinach Salad Dressing

The spinach walnut salad dressing can make or break a salad, and this warm shallot dressing is nothing short of amazing. It enhances every bite of fresh spinach, apples, and pistachios, making each forkful a delightful experience. The shallot, when sautéed and combined with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The star of the show are the finely diced shallots that are sauté until translucent to create a fragrant base. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick to the dressing. My favorite Dijon mustard will provide depth and a slightly zesty flavor. Sweet honey balances the acidity with its sweetness, and you can also switch out the honey for maple syrup to create even more fall flavors. The beauty of this dressing lies in its simplicity and in the way it brings all the ingredients together seamlessly. It is easy to prepare and adds a nice comforting touch to the salad.

Possible Recipe Variations

While the classic combination of spinach, apples, and pistachios is perfect, you can always get creative with this salad. Experimenting with these variations allows you to create a personalized version of the salad that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some versatile options:

- Swap pistachios for walnuts or pecans: Adds a different nutty crunch.

- Incorporate seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds: For a tailored taste to those fruits.

- Add protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu: To make it a heartier dish.

- Use goat cheese or feta: For a creamy, tangy complement to the salad's flavors.

- Experiment with different greens: Such as arugula or kale for varied textures and tastes.

- Add-ins: As always, a salad can be adaptable by adding in your favorites like dried cranberries or pomegranate arils. Feel free to experiment.

You can substitute pistachios with another type of nut in the Spinach Fall Salad. Walnuts provide a richer, earthier taste, perfect for autumn dishes. Pecans offer a buttery, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the warm shallot dressing. Almonds add a subtle, sweet crunch that complements the apples and spinach. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor. Consider any allergy concerns or dietary preferences when choosing a substitute. Ultimately, using your favorite nuts can personalize the salad to suit your taste perfectly.

Choosing the right type of apple can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your salad. Honeycrisp or Fuji varieties are firm and crisp, perfect for a balanced texture and flavor. Granny Smith adds a delightful tart contrast to the sweet ingredients in the salad. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy and lose their distinct sweetness. Mixing two types of apples can enhance the complexity and depth of the salad's taste profile. Vibrant red or green apples add visual appeal, making the salad more attractive.

What to Serve with Spinach Salad

To elevate your meal experience even further, pair your spinach salad with other delightful dishes. Options that go well for protein are grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. These all add a satisfying protein boost and elevate the meal's heartiness. Serve alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread or a fresh baguette to soak up the delicious warm shallot dressing. Complement the flavors with a variety of cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, or shaved parmesan for a creamy addition. A bowl of butternut squash soup or a hearty lentil soup can accompany the salad, providing comfort and warmth on a cool fall day. Finish your meal with a light, autumn-inspired dessert like an apple crisp or a spiced pear tart to keep the seasonal theme intact. These pairings can create a harmonious and satisfying dining experience, making the Spinach Fall Salad even more memorable.

Is This Salad Suitable for Making Ahead of Time?

The Spinach Fall Salad with warm shallot dressing, apples, and pistachios can be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for busy schedules. To retain the salad's freshness, store the warm shallot dressing separately and add it just before serving. Toss the apples in a bit of lemon juice or add them just before serving to prevent browning. Keep the pistachios aside until the last minute to ensure they remain crunchy and delicious, and don't get soft. Preparing these components ahead of time and combining them just before serving ensures the salad remains fresh and the spinach leaves crisp. This make-ahead capability makes the salad an excellent choice for gatherings, potlucks, or meal planning.

This Spinach Fall Salad with warm shallot dressing, apples, and pistachios is a delightful and nourishing dish that incorporates ingredients that are the essence of the fall season. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or as part of a larger meal, the combination of fresh spinach, crisp apples, and nutty pistachios, all tied together with a warm, savory dressing is sure to please your palate. Incorporating various add-ins and pairing options can further personalize your dining experience to your own tailored tastes. Embrace the flavors of the season and transform your meals with this irresistible spinach fall salad with warm shallot dressing, apples and pistachios!

Ingredients

10 -12 cups spinach

2 small apples

4 oz crumbled goat cheese

2 cups pistachios

Dressing:

1 tablespoon butter

2 shallots, diced

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/3 cup olive oil

sea salt & fresh ground pepper

Instructions

1. Make The Dressing. Add butter to pan, a pinch of sea salt and sauté your diced shallot until caramelized. Add in honey, dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Let simmer for 30 seconds while ingredients marry together. Turn off oven and add in olive oil, whisky as you do. Add in sea salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a container to serve dressing on the side of the salad. You want the dressing warm not hot where it will wilt the spinach. So let cool slightly while assembling the salad.

2. Assemble the salad. Add together in a large bowl spinach, sliced apples, goat cheese and pistachios. I like to add half of the apples goat cheese and pistachios, then add the other half after plating. For this salad you will want to add dressing right before serving so you can do so not and then plate or you can serve small dressings to each of your guests depending on how you are serving. After adding dressing add to plate and add additional toppings. Serve and enjoy!

Other Salad Recipes You Will Enjoy:

Delicious, Nutritious Pear & Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

How to Make the Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

The Perfect Summer Meal: Grilled Chicken, Mexican Street Corn & Cucumber Salad

Savory Italian Chopped Salad Jar Recipe: A Symphony of Flavors in Every Bite

Discover the Delightful Twist of Sweet Kale Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

A Taste of the Southwest: Southwestern Chop Salad Recipe

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

The weather is warming up and with it those big, heavy, filling cold weather dishes may be slowly transitioning into !ighter and healthier colorful plates. This delicious salad is one of my favorites to enjoy anytime of year but especially in the Spring and Summer. I love to pair it with salmon or have it as a nice side dish for those Summer cookouts that are sure to come! This recipe will provide you with everything you need to make the dressing from scratch and to add in the candied pecans that are so addicting on any meal!

Ingredients:

10 -12 cups shaved Brussel sprouts

1/2 cup fresh strawberries

1/4 balsamic vinegar

1/4 raw honey

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 large apple ( I like the pink lady)

4 oz crumbled goat cheese

2 cups pecans

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

1. Make Candied Pecans so they can cool while you prepare rest of salad.

   1. line baking sheet, I use my Jelly Roll Pan from 360 cookware -here-, with parchment paper and set aside.

   2. In a pan, I use my 360 cookware 1 quart sauce pan -here-, melt together maple syrup and brown sugar until mixed and bubbling.

   3. 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!

   1. Add strawberries, balsamic vinegar, raw honey, cup olive oil, tsp salt, tsp pepper into blender and blend until smooth.

   2. Place in bowl or dressing dish and set aside for later.

3. Shave brussel sprouts. (You can always buy pre shaved however they are always a little thicker and I prefer the shavings small to taste more like a salad and less like brussel’s) To shave them I use my Mandoline slicer on 1/8th. If I am not wanting to slice it, I just buy extra bags of pre sliced and pull out all the thick chunks and use for a side of brussels later in the week.

4. Assemble the salad. I like to put in half of the apples, half the goat cheese and half of the candied pecans 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!

5. Enjoy!

All the 360 cookware products I used in making this salad and the beautiful flatware are linked below. For a 20% discount use code AMANDA20. Works off the entire site!