Spring Mix Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Vinaigrette
A fresh and light salad featuring spring greens, sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and candied pecans, dressed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups spring mix greens
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the spring mix greens and sliced strawberries.
- Lightly drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the greens and strawberries. Gently toss to coat the leaves evenly.
- Divide the salad among serving plates.
- Top each serving with crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans.
- Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the cheese and nuts just before serving.
Notes
- Add the goat cheese just before serving to prevent it from breaking down into the dressing.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken breast or sliced almonds.
- You can candy your own pecans by tossing them with egg white and sugar, then baking at 300F for 15 minutes.
- This salad works well with a poppy seed dressing as an alternative to balsamic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 25