Ready for a splash of summer? This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is a light, refreshing crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sunny days—and even better when paired with friends or family!
This seasonal summer salad is trending thanks to its fresh, vibrant flavors and easy prep. It hits the mark for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals. Plus, it slides beautifully alongside our Stovetop Arugula Frittata and Spinach Egg Muffins With Mozzarella Cheese, giving your table that perfect balanced vibe.
Jump to:
💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Incredible flavor balance: sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and nutty crunch
- Super quick fresh lunch or protein-packed side—ready in under 20 minutes
- Light yet satisfying, with homemade balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Strawberries – the seasonal star! Juicy, sweet, and bursting in every bite.
- Tangy Goat Cheese – creamy contrast that amps up the flavor.
- Pistachios + Sunflower Seeds – healthy crunch with a boost of antioxidants and fiber.
- Avocado – creamy richness that brings everything together and keeps you full.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Savory protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dinner.
- Warm twist: Swap fresh berries for grilled peaches for a caramelized flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Use feta or plant-based cheese.
- Nut-free crunch: Try toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas.
- Greens swap: Baby spinach or peppery arugula work beautifully.
- Dressing switch-up: Go for poppy seed or citrus vinaigrette.
If you love this refreshing flavor combo, also check out our Mango Arugula Salad and Beet Salad With Feta And Walnuts.
🔪 How To Make Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
- Step 1: Blend olive oil, strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey until smooth; thin with a splash of water, then strain. Thinly slice strawberries, dice avocado.
- Step 2: In a big bowl, layer spring mix (or your greens of choice), strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle the strawberry balsamic dressing over and toss gently. Serve right away!
💡Hint: chilling your salad bowl before assembly keeps the greens crisp and vibrant.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use ripe, local strawberries—big difference in flavor!
- Keep the dressing on the side if prepping ahead to prevent soggy greens.
- Crumble goat cheese after chilling it for easy, pretty chunks.
💭 FAQs
Fresh berries are best for a crisp texture, but if frozen are your only option, thaw thoroughly and drain—though the salad will be softer.
Baby spinach, arugula, or mixed spring greens are great choices. They provide a fresh and mild base that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the tangy goat cheese.
Yes, but it's best to store the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep the greens fresh and the goat cheese from getting too soft.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a fulfilling and protein-rich meal.
- Crostini: Serve with crispy crostini topped with a spread of herbed cream cheese for a delightful appetizer or light meal.
- Carrot Rice: Enhance the meal by serving the salad with fragrant carrot rice, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the plate.
- Air Fryer Cod Fillet: Pair with crispy air-fried cod fillets for a light and delicious protein option that complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Jalapeno Cornbread: Complete the meal with a side of warm and spicy Jalapeno Cornbread, adding a comforting and flavorful twist to the dining experience.
🍽 Try More Goat Cheese Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in our Facebook Group! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Strawberry And Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Spring Mix
- ½ cup Strawberries
- 1 tablespoon Pistachios
- 1 tablespoon Goat cheese
- 1 tablespoon Sunflower seeds
- ½ Avocado
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup Strawberries
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Slice the strawberries and dice the avocado. Ensure the strawberries are thinly sliced to evenly distribute their sweetness throughout the salad.
- Cut the avocado into small, bite-sized pieces for a creamy contrast to the other ingredients.
- Combine the olive oil, blended strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add up to 2 tablespoons of water during blending, if necessary, to achieve the desired dressing consistency.
- Pour the dressing through a sieve to remove any seeds or lumps, ensuring a silky texture.
- Place the spring mix, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, pistachios, crumbled goat cheese, and sunflower seeds in a serving dish.
- Generously drizzle the freshly prepared strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad, coating all the ingredients with its sweet and tangy flavors.
- Present the Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad immediately after assembling to maintain the freshness and vibrant colors of the ingredients and savor the delightful flavors!
Sweet, creamy, and bursting with flavor—this strawberry goat cheese salad is a summertime dream! The combination of juicy strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios creates a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish!