Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
It’s almost Strawberry Season, one of my favorite times of the year. Strawberries can be eaten any time of the day because they are just too good to limit to breakfast and dessert. Moreover, this Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is one epically delicious way to incorporate this springtime fruit. In Oregon, fresh strawberries are ripe in May and June! The season is quick so grab them while you can!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This recipe is healthy, easy, and ready in under 15 minutes. It makes for an excellent side salad or make it a meal with some additional protein like baked tofu, roasted chickpeas, smoked fish, or grilled shrimp!
Spinach Strawberry Salad Ingredients
Strawberries: Strawberries are the ingredient that makes this salad stand out. I recommend using local strawberries for optimal strawberry flavor.
Baby Spinach: Spinach is the base leafy green of this salad recipe. You could swap this ingredient out for Romain, Butter Lettuce, or a combination of lettuces.
Cucumber: Cucumber is one of my favorite veggies to include in a salad. The flavor is subtle and refreshing and the texture is crisp and hydrating.
Goat Cheese
Nuts: I chose pine nuts but other nuts that would work are sliced almonds, shelled pistachios, walnuts, or candied pecans.
Dressing: I used a balsamic vinegar-based vinaigrette in this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe. Other dressing possibilities include champagne vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing.
Herbs: Such as basil, dill, parsley, mint.
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
I love to use my basil balsamic vinaigrette for this salad. Be sure to use a flavorful olive oil for extra flavor and depth.
Step – By – Step Instructions
Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using).
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or if using a jar, tightly close the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are emulsified.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more honey/maple syrup or balsamic vinegar if desired.
Combine Salad Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, herbs, sliced strawberries, cucumber and crumbled goat cheese.
- Add the nuts, if using, to the salad bowl.
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if needed.
Toss Gently:
- Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately.
Pairings and Compliments
Protein Pairing
To make this meal a bit more filling add some more protein! I like to add leftover grilled chicken or shrimp from a previous meal. Looking to add more plant-based protein? Try adding some marinated tofu, or roasted chickpeas. YUM.
Other Compliments
Serve this dish with a cup of soup or fresh-baked bread from your favorite local bakery! Another way to dish up this recipe is as a side dish. This salad compliments some organic sweet Italian sausage or grass-fed beef burgers. Additionally, this recipe would be wonderfully enjoyed at a Mother’s Day Brunch or Memorial Day BBQ! And lastly, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a nutritious and delicious addition to any event or cookout.
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Iron
Cool Science: Iron Absorption Strawberries and Spinach
A topic we don’t normally think much about is Nutrient Absorption. In order for our bodies to utilize the nutrients in the food we eat, it must first be absorbed. Some foods do a better job of providing bioavailable nutrients than others; one example of this is Iron. There are two types of Iron that we consume in our diets, heme iron and non-heme iron.
- Heme iron is easily absorbed in the body and found in foods like red meat.
- Non-heme Iron is not as readily absorbed and is found in foods like dark leafy greens, like spinach.
For individuals who eat completely plant-based or mostly plant-based, one of the best ways to ensure adequate iron levels is to consume Vitamin C with iron-rich foods. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C, like fruits (aka strawberries) and vegetables, has been shown to improve the absorption of non-heme iron in the body.
Why Care About Iron
Iron plays an important role in many vital bodily functions. Below are just a few.
- Iron benefits immunity
- Improvements in Athletic Performance
- Iron benefits energy and alertness
Something To Note
This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe could be a super salad for iron absorption. However, there are other factors that might inhibit iron absorption. If you are struggling with Iron Deficiency or Iron Deficiency Anemia, I recommend working 1:1 with a Registered Dietitian.
Like this recipe?! Here are some other salad recipes you may enjoy!
Jacob’s Black Bean Burger Salad
Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with Smoked Trout
Arugula and Cottage Cheese Salad with Sliced Tomatoes
Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Equipment
- 1 large salad bowl
- 1 16oz mason Jar with lid
- 1 tongs or mixing utensils
Ingredients
Salad
- 3-4 handfuls fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- A handful of fresh herbs per eaters preference basil, parsley, dill, mint etc
Vinaigrette Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice optional
- 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped or julienned
Instructions
Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using).
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or if using a jar, tightly close the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are emulsified.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more honey/maple syrup or balsamic vinegar if desired.
Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, herbs, sliced strawberries, cucumber and crumbled goat cheese.
- Add the nuts, if using, to the salad bowl.
Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if needed.
Toss Gently
- Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve
- Serve the salad immediately.
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
0 Comments