Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

This strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese is a fresh and vibrant option when you want something light, flavorful, and easy to make. With juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. My favorite salad for quick lunches or serving at gatherings.

When strawberries are in season, this strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese truly shines. The natural sweetness of ripe berries, the tang of goat cheese, and the light crunch from pecans come together beautifully. And that poppy seed dressing? It pulls everything into balance. I also love that it’s incredibly easy to customize with ingredients you already have in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

• Bursting with flavor and color in every bite.
• Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
• Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required.
• Easily customizable with what you have on hand.
• Perfect as a light meal or elegant side dish.

Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

• Baby Spinach. Always go with baby spinach for salads. It has tender leaves and a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with fruit and cheese. Avoid mature spinach, which can be too tough raw.
• Strawberries. Fresh, ripe, and juicy strawberries make all the difference. Slice or halve them depending on size, and use them when they’re in peak season for maximum flavor.
• Goat Cheese. The creamy tang of goat cheese balances out the sweetness of the berries. Crumble it in just before serving for texture and richness in every bite.
• Pecans. These add that essential crunch and a deep, almost caramelized flavor. Feel free to toast them lightly for extra nuttiness.
• Olive Oil. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will make your dressing smooth and flavorful.
• Balsamic Vinegar. Classic balsamic works beautifully with strawberries and adds depth to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice + Zest. Adds a refreshing citrusy brightness that lifts all the flavors.
• Poppy Seeds. These tiny seeds bring subtle texture, and that signature look to the dressing.
• Salt & Pepper. Season to taste to balance everything out.

How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

(This is a quick overview of how I make strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

1. Make the poppy seed dressing. This is what really makes the salad pop. In a glass jar, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Then shake it like you mean it until it’s fully combined and emulsified. You can also whisk everything together in a bowl, but the jar shake method is fast and fun.
2. Why it works. Strawberries and balsamic are a match made in heaven. The lemon juice and zest add a refreshing citrus lift that balances the creamy goat cheese and sweet berries, while the poppy seeds add just the right amount of texture and visual flair.
3. Toss the salad. In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and pecans. Drizzle generously with your fresh dressing.
4. Gently combine. Toss everything lightly so it’s evenly coated. Serve immediately.

What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese pairs well with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a fresh baguette with herb butter. It also shines on a brunch table alongside quiche or lemon poppy seed muffins.

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Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Boost with protein. Toss in a scoop of cooked quinoa or some chickpeas to turn this into a full, satisfying meal.
• Swap the crunch. Not a pecan fan? Try roasted almonds, chopped hazelnuts, or crunchy pumpkin seeds for a delicious twist.
• Change the cheese. Goat cheese too tangy? Crumbled feta or creamy blue cheese also pair beautifully with sweet strawberries.
• Mix up the add-ins. This salad loves flexibility. Add raspberries, blueberries, slices of creamy avocado, or paper-thin red onion for extra layers of flavor.

I personally love Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese just the way it is, but when I want to bulk it up or use what’s already in the kitchen, these swaps always hit the spot.

If you’re going dairy-free, try a vegan cashew cheese or omit cheese altogether and boost flavor with more nuts or a tangy vinaigrette.

A Balsamic Vinaigrette Alternative with Honey Mustard or Citrus

Not a balsamic fan? You can still enjoy this salad with a bright and zesty twist. A simple honey mustard vinaigrette made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice is a lovely substitute. It brings a tangy-sweet flavor that plays well with strawberries and goat cheese. For something lighter, try a citrus vinaigrette using orange or grapefruit juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey. Both versions keep the salad light and vibrant while letting the fresh ingredients shine.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

This Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese is best fresh, but you can prep components in advance. Store the dressing separately and combine everything just before serving. If you have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container and eat within 24 hours.

FAQs About Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

More Salad Recipes

• Chopped Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
• Dense Bean Salad

Since strawberries are in peak season

• Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Cup
• Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
• Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
• Strawberry Crunch Cake
• Strawberry Puree Easy Homemade Recipe

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