There is truly nothing I love more than a spinach salad with fruit, nuts, and a funky cheese on top. Thinking about it just makes my mouth water! This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Tangy Balsamic is a delight to eat if you’re looking for something fresh and delicious.
For this salad, I used spinach as the greens. You could pick almost any dark leafy salad green you like though. Additionally, I used goat cheese, but feta would be a great option as well, and if you REALLY like a funky cheese, Gorgonzola would work too.
The Method
Candied Pecans
In my opinion, the magic ingredient on this strawberry goat cheese salad is the candied pecans. All it takes is about 15 minutes and you have a delicious salad topper, snack, or addition to cheese board!
The candied pecans are very simple to make on the stove top and require minimal ingredients. It’s extremely important to make sure you continue stirring frequently and watch the heat to prevent burning. Simply add all of the ingredients for the pecans to a skillet. I really like using a nonstick ceramic skillet because it’s super easy to clean when the maple syrup gets sticky.
Next, heat the skillet over medium and stir everything together so that the pecans are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to bubble for about 3 minutes and then start stirring. Reduce the heat slightly and continue simmering and stirring for about 12-15 minutes. First, the mixture will thicken and get thick and shiny.
Then, as you continue simmering and stirring, the syrup will crystalize on the nuts. That’s when it’s time to pull them off! Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper and allow to cool before topping the salad.
I’ve added individual recipes for the candied pecans and tangy balsamic dressing if you’d like to print or pin them for individual recipes! The candied pecans are a perfect addition to a cheese board.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
The first part of assembling the salad is to make the dressing. This dressing can easily be made vegan by switching the honey for maple syrup. I love the slight sweetness the honey gives this dressing though.
Simply mix all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl and transfer to your desired storage container. You won’t use all of the dressing on this salad.
Next, you can either assemble salads in individual bowls, or mix it together in one big bowl and transfer to bowls. When I make salad, I really love to mix the greens in a big mixing bowl and lightly coat it with dressing. Then add all of the toppings and use tongs to serve it in individual bowls.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you make it, be sure to post a picture on Instagram using #SNGeats!
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Tangy Balsamic
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup strawberries quartered
- 2 oz goat cheese (or feta)
- 1 handful candied pecans
Candied Pecans
- 1 and 2/3 cup pecans raw
- 1/3 cup maple syrup pure
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Tangy Balsamic Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 and a half Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
Candied Pecans
- To make the candied pecans, simply add all ingredients to a large skillet. Stir to combine and turn the stove on to medium.
- Allow the mixture to start bubbling and stir very frequently with a silicone spoon. After 4-5 minutes when you notice the mixture beginning to thicken, reduce the heat to low-medium.
- Continue stirring so that the syrup doesn't burn. The mixture will start to thicken and get sticky. Keep going and stirring frequently until the coating on the nuts begins to crystallize. This process will take about 12-15 minutes.
- Remove nuts from heat and transfer to parchment paper to cool before adding to salad.
Salad Assembly
- First make the tangy balsamic dressing. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and combined.
- Add spinach to a large mixing bowl and toss with desired amount of dressing. Not too much, not too little is the way to go.
- Once the spinach is coated, either add the goat cheese, pecans, and strawberries to the bowl and mix it together or transfer to individual bowls and add toppings.
- Serve and enjoy!
