Save This fresh spring greens salad combines baby spinach, arugula, and lettuces with juicy strawberries and sliced red onion, topped with crunchy toasted pecans and crumbled goat cheese. A simple balsamic vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, honey, and mustard enhances the flavors. Ready in 15 minutes, this colorful salad offers a refreshing balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty elements perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Last spring, I found myself at a farmers market standing before a basket of strawberries that smelled like sunshine itself. The vendor caught me burying my nose in them and laughed, telling me they'd been picked that very morning. I bought twice as many as I needed and spent the afternoon experimenting with salads until I hit on this combination that somehow tastes exactly like the season feels.
I served this at my first dinner party of the season, nervous that it was too simple. My friend Sarah took one bite and actually went quiet for a moment before asking for the recipe, and now she requests it every time she comes over.
Ingredients
- Spring greens mix: The combination of baby spinach, arugula, and tender lettuces gives you varying textures and slight peppery notes that make every bite interesting
- Fresh strawberries: Look for berries that are deeply fragrant and slightly soft to the touch since they'll be the star of the show
- Goat cheese: Its creamy tang cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries while adding richness that makes this salad feel substantial
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: Toasting them yourself in a dry pan for just a few minutes makes an enormous difference in their crunch and depth of flavor
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds just enough sharp bite to keep things interesting without overpowering the delicate ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use your best olive oil here since the dressing is simple enough that its flavor really comes through
- Balsamic vinegar: The sweetness and acidity of balsamic perfectly bridges the gap between the strawberries and the savory elements
- Honey or maple syrup: Just a teaspoon helps emulsify the dressing while echoing the natural sweetness of the strawberries
- Dijon mustard: This is the secret ingredient that makes the dressing cling to every leaf and keeps it from separating
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette:
- Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Prepare the base:
- Combine the spring greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted nuts in a large salad bowl.
- Dress and toss:
- Drizzle about half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently with your hands to distribute evenly.
- Finish with cheese:
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top and serve immediately while the greens are still crisp and vibrant.
Save This salad has become my go-to for those nights when we're eating on the porch and I want something that feels special but doesn't require turning on the oven.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in sliced almonds or even pumpkin seeds for the nuts depending on what I have in the pantry.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc makes this feel like a restaurant course, but iced tea works beautifully for lunch.
Serving Suggestions
This salad holds up surprisingly well as part of a larger spread and alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Keep the toasted nuts separate until serving if you're taking this to a picnic
- Try adding sliced avocado for extra creaminess on days when you want something more substantial
- A handful of fresh basil leaves scattered on top adds a lovely aromatic twist
Save Every time I make this salad, I'm reminded that sometimes the simplest combinations are the ones that stay with us longest.
Recipe FAQ
- → What greens are best for this salad?
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A mix of tender spring greens like baby spinach, arugula, and baby lettuces works well to provide fresh and mild flavors.
- → Can I use different nuts?
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Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts are great, but sliced almonds or candied nuts add a nice crunch too.
- → What alternatives exist for goat cheese?
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Feta cheese makes a flavorful substitute while maintaining the tangy and creamy texture.
- → How to make the dressing emulsify properly?
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Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard vigorously until fully blended for a smooth vinaigrette.
- → Are there protein additions that pair well?
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Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to boost protein and make the salad more filling.
