Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese

Name: Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh mixed greens; 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup slivered almonds; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Wholesome Inspiration

I love this vibrant Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese because it’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Whenever I prepare it, I’m reminded of sunny picnics and fresh summer days. The combination of juicy strawberries with creamy goat cheese creates a delightful contrast, while the crunchy almonds add a lovely texture. This salad is not only beautiful on the plate but is also incredibly refreshing and easy to whip up. It’s one of my go-to recipes for impressing guests or simply enjoying a light lunch.

Created by

Tallulah Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:10:35.363Z

One summer afternoon, I experimented with various ingredients in my kitchen, trying to capture the essence of the season. As the result emerged—this Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese—I realized I had stumbled upon a true gem. The strawberries, fresh from the farmer's market, add a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy goat cheese. I like to drizzle in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette to enhance all these flavors, and the best part is how quickly it comes together!

What really makes this salad special is the addition of slivered almonds, which provide a gratifying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy strawberries and smooth cheese. It’s an effortless dish that always garners compliments. Just remember to serve it fresh to fully enjoy the vibrant flavors that meld together in every bite!

Why You'll Love This Salad
The juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries.
Creamy goat cheese adds richness and depth.
A delightful crunch from slivered almonds.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion.

Balancing Flavors

The combination of strawberries and goat cheese in this salad isn’t just a happy accident; it strategically plays with contrasting flavors to elevate the dish. The tartness of fresh strawberries cuts through the creaminess of the goat cheese, creating a flavor balance that leaves your palate satisfied yet eager for more. When selecting strawberries, look for plump, vibrant ones with a fragrant aroma to ensure you achieve maximum sweetness.

To enhance the flavors even further, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the strawberries just before assembling the salad. This simple addition can intensify their sweetness and provide a lovely flavor contrast against the rich goat cheese.

Texture Considerations

Texture plays a crucial role in how enjoyable this salad is. The creamy goat cheese contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender strawberries while the slivered almonds introduce a pleasant crunch. For brighter flavor and added crunch, toasting the almonds for just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat can deepen their nutty flavor and add a golden hue. Be sure to watch them closely as they can burn quickly!

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider substituting the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor profile. If nut allergies are a concern, you could also use crispy chickpeas or roasted sunflower seeds as an alternative, which would provide a similar texture without compromising the integrity of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a standalone dish or as a side, but its versatility doesn’t end there. For a heartier meal, consider adding sliced grilled chicken or shrimp on top. This protein addition complements the salad nicely, making it suitable for lunch or dinner. When serving, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint can provide an aromatic lift that enhances both flavor and presentation.

If you're preparing this salad for a gathering, consider preparing the salad ingredients and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to ensure the greens remain crisp. For easy meal prep, the salad can be made a few hours in advance, but store the dressing separately until serving time to prevent wilting.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh mixed greens
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preference!

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, slivered almonds, and red onion.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, being careful not to damage the strawberries or cheese.

Serve Immediately

Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra almonds and cheese if desired.

Enjoy your freshest salad that combines sweet and savory in every bite!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh basil or mint to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find goat cheese, feta cheese can be a delicious alternative, bringing a similar salty creaminess to the salad. For those who need a dairy-free option, try a vegan cheese that crumbles like goat cheese; many store-bought varieties work just as well in salads and offer a similar aesthetic.

When it comes to the greens, feel free to mix and match! Baby spinach or arugula can add unique flavors and textures to the salad. If you're looking for something heartier, kale or Swiss chard can also be delicious options, though they might require a bit of massaging with the dressing to soften their texture.

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad components can generally last for about 2-3 days, while the dressing can be stored for up to a week. Just remember to give the dressing a good shake before using it again, as ingredients may separate over time.

If you anticipate leftovers, consider assembling the salad in individual portions rather than as a whole. This keeps the greens crisp and prevents the strawberries from breaking down, ensuring that your salad remains visually appealing and delicious, even on day two.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, it's best to dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

→ What can I substitute for goat cheese?

You can use feta cheese or blue cheese as alternatives, depending on your taste preferences.

→ How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator without dressing. It will last for about 1 day.

→ Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great additions to make it a heartier meal.