Easy Spring Salad with Goat Cheese
This Easy Spring Salad with Goat Cheese is fresh, vibrant, and packed with sweet berries, crisp greens, crunchy toasted nuts, and creamy goat cheese tossed in a bright homemade vinaigrette. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy spring salad is perfect for Easter, brunch, baby showers, or light weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 5 ounces mixed spring greens or baby spinach
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup cucumber thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion very thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts toasted
- For the Homemade Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and thoroughly dry all produce.
- Slice strawberries and cucumber evenly.
- Thinly slice red onion (soak in cold water for 5–10 minutes if you prefer milder flavor).
- Toast nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. Let cool.
- Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or shake until fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Place spring greens in a large bowl.
- Add strawberries, blueberries, cucumber, and red onion.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts over the top.
- Drizzle dressing lightly over the salad.
- Gently toss until evenly coated.
- Finish with crumbled goat cheese on top.
- Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Always dry greens completely to prevent sogginess.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp.
- Toasting nuts enhances flavor and crunch.
- Store salad components separately if preparing ahead.
- Adjust honey or vinegar to balance sweetness and tang.