Strawberry And Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
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- 1/2 cups pecans – roughly chopped
- 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground
- 6 ounces mixed salad greens – well dried
- 12 ounces strawberries – hulled and sliced (~30 medium strawberries)
- 1/4 cups red onion – thinly sliced (~0.5 medium red onions)
- 4 ounces goat cheese – crumbled
- fresh basil leaves – sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly darkened, 4–6 minutes. Transfer to a board, roughly chop, and let cool.
2. Prep the produce: Hull and slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, crumble the goat cheese, and slice the basil.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
4. Add the mixed salad greens to the bowl and toss until lightly coated with the dressing.
5. Add the sliced strawberries and red onion and toss gently to distribute without crushing the fruit.
6. Fold in the toasted pecans.
7. Transfer the salad to a platter or bowls, scatter the goat cheese over the top, garnish with the basil, and serve immediately.
Strawberry and goat cheese salad balances sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements in a bright, refreshing bowl. Juicy berries meet peppery or tender greens, while tangy chèvre adds richness that dissolves into the vinaigrette as you eat. Toasted nuts bring warmth and texture, and a balsamic-honey dressing ties the flavors together with a gentle gloss.
The combination is a staple of modern American café and bistro menus, drawing on French influences where chèvre is commonly paired with fruit and nuts. As farmers’ market culture grew in the late 20th century, this salad became a showcase for peak-season strawberries and artisanal goat cheese. Its staying power comes from its simple structure, which invites seasonal tweaks while keeping a recognizable sweet-savory profile.