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Kawaii-style but realistic strawberry spinach salad with fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and balsamic dressing in a cute white bowl on a pink checkered cloth.
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🍓 Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese features fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts brought together with a lightly sweetened balsamic dressing. It’s an easy, elegant salad that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, brunches, or warm-weather gatherings, offering a bright mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Course Appetizer, Light Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Keyword balsamic spinach salad, easy spinach salad, fresh strawberry salad, goat cheese salad, healthy salad, spinach salad with strawberries, spring salad, strawberry spinach salad, strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese, summer salad recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 230kcal
Cost $10 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Tongs or salad servers

Ingredients

Salad

  • 5–6 cups baby spinach washed and dried
  • 1½ cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup goat cheese crumbled
  • â…“ cup pecans or walnuts toasted
  • 2-3 tbsp red onion very thinly sliced (optional)

Balsamic Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the dressing

  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Assemble the salad

  • Add spinach to a large salad bowl. Top with sliced strawberries, goat cheese crumbles, toasted nuts, and red onion if using.

Dress & toss

  • Drizzle dressing lightly over the salad and gently toss just before serving.

Finish & serve

  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use very fresh spinach: Baby spinach works best; older leaves can taste bitter and wilt faster.
  • Dry greens well: Excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
  • Add dressing last: Toss just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
  • Goat cheese tip: Chill the goat cheese first for cleaner crumbles. If it’s too soft, it will smear instead of crumble.
  • Nut options: Pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds all work well. Candied nuts add extra sweetness.
  • Strawberry ripeness matters: Fully ripe strawberries provide the best sweetness—underripe berries can taste flat.
  • Make it ahead: Prep all ingredients separately and assemble right before serving.
  • Protein add-ins: Grilled chicken, salmon, or prosciutto pair beautifully with this salad.
  • Cheese swaps: Feta or blue cheese can replace goat cheese for a sharper flavor profile.
  • Dressing variations: Maple syrup can replace honey, or add a splash of orange juice for a brighter vinaigrette.