Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredient Notes:

(Here are a few notes about the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.  As always find the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

• Baby Greens – I like using a spring mix of baby greens for a variety of tastes, textures and colors but you can also substitute baby spinach or peppery arugula.
• Strawberries – You’ll want freshest ripest strawberries you can find.  (Better to use slightly over-ripe strawberries than under-ripe ones.)
• Goat Cheese – You’ll need a log of fresh goat cheese to crumble.  Its mild creaminess enhances rather than overwhelms the delicate flavors of the salad perfectly but you can also use a mild feta if you’d prefer.
• Sliced Almonds – You’ll need sliced almond to make the almond clusters or just skip the clusters, toast them and throw them right into the salad as is.
• Maple Syrup – You’ll need a drizzle of maple syrup to make the candied almond clusters.
• Poppy Seeds – I’ve added a sprinkle of poppy seeds to the almond clusters but you can also sprinkle them into the dressing instead if you’d prefer.
• Dressing – You’ll need a good quality balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a small shallot and strawberry jam for the balsamic vinaigrette.  Adding a bit of jam to the dressing brings a touch of sweetness that tames the acidity of the vinegar and compliments the flavors of the fresh strawberries.

How to Make a Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad:

(Here are the basic steps and some helpful tips on how to make the recipe.  Find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

Both the dressing and the almond clusters can be made ahead of time.  If you are transporting the salad, make sure to dress it only before serving.

1. You’ll start by making the almond clusters. Combine the sliced almonds and maple syrup in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the syrup is sticky and the almond slices are completely coated. Sprinkle the almonds with the poppy seeds and pour the mixture onto a sheet of parchment to cool and harden.
2. Next you’ll make the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, strawberry jam and olive oil until smooth.
3. When you are ready to make the salad simply slice your strawberries, crumble your goat cheese and toss the baby greens with the dressing.  Add the sliced strawberries to the greens and toss to coat.  Top with the crumbled goat cheese and the almond clusters and serve.

Variations:

• Use baby spinach or baby arugula instead of a spring mix.
• Add blueberries or blackberries along with the strawberries.  (Avoid raspberries which tend to fall apart in a salad when tossed.)
• Use a mild feta instead of goat cheese.
• Use toasted sliced almonds instead of almond clusters.
• Use walnuts instead of almonds.
• Use maple syrup in the dressing instead of the strawberry jam.

More Strawberry Recipes:

• Strawberry Salsa
• Strawberry Milk
• Strawberry Granita