Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Avocado is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s both light and satisfying. The peppery arugula serves as the perfect base for the sweet, juicy strawberries and creamy avocado, while the tangy goat cheese adds a rich, flavorful contrast. Toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch, and the homemade strawberry balsamic dressing ties everything together with its sweet and savory balance. It’s an ideal salad for a light lunch, side dish, or a summer dinner that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby arugula
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted

For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:

• 1 cup ripe fresh strawberries, hulled
• ⅓ cup avocado oil or light olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Toast the Almonds: Begin by toasting the sliced almonds. Heat a small pan over medium heat, then add the almonds. Stir occasionally and toast for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the hulled strawberries, avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and kosher salt. Blend until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (you can add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang).
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the fresh baby arugula with the sliced strawberries and diced avocado. Gently mix everything together.
4. Add the Goat Cheese and Almonds: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted almonds over the salad. Give everything a gentle toss to incorporate the ingredients.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
6. Serve: Serve immediately for a fresh and light meal or side dish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: If you don’t have sliced almonds, you can substitute with toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute with feta cheese or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Greens: While arugula is a great peppery base, you can also use mixed greens, spinach, or even kale for a variation.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey or using maple syrup for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately in airtight containers for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing and salad ingredients (without avocado) stored separately to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. It does not need reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the strawberry balsamic dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before using.

Can I use another type of oil for the dressing?

Yes, you can use extra virgin olive oil or any light-flavored oil in place of avocado oil, depending on what you have on hand.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make the salad vegan, skip the goat cheese and replace it with a dairy-free cheese option or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly dressing.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the dressing?

Fresh strawberries are best for the dressing, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them before blending.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, this salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for added protein.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

To prevent browning, you can toss the diced avocado with a little lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This helps keep it fresh and vibrant.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches to the salad for more variety and sweetness.

Can I make this salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare the salad right before serving. If you need to make it in advance, store the salad ingredients (except for avocado) and the dressing separately. Add the avocado and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

Is the salad dressing suitable for other dishes?

Yes, this strawberry balsamic dressing is versatile and can be used on other salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables or meats.

Can I substitute the arugula with other greens?

Yes, you can use spinach, mixed greens, or even kale if you prefer a different texture or flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Avocado is a beautiful, vibrant dish that combines the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese come together perfectly with the homemade strawberry balsamic dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a dish for a special occasion, this salad will not disappoint. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

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