Strawberry Salad With Goat Cheese

If you love the combination of sweetness, creaminess, and fresh flavors, this strawberry goat cheese salad is just what you need! This salad recipe blends juicy strawberries, lettuce, pistachios, and goat cheese, all tossed in olive oil and balsamic glaze.

I’m all about fresh, flavorful salads that balance sweet and savory flavors, especially during summertime! Some of our absolute favorites include grilled peach salad with feta and zaatar, the earthy and delicious beet salad with kale, and our burrata salad with peach and tomatoes. Now, this strawberry goat cheese salad has quickly become a new favorite, and let me tell you—it does not disappoint! Its creamy, crunchy, and refreshing combination makes it the perfect dish for warm days.

Strawberry Salad Ingredients

• Greens: I used spring mix for this recipe which you can find at any supermarket. It’s a combination of different types of lettuce and spinach. Feel free to use just spinach if you like.
• Strawberries: It’s best to use fresh and sweet strawberries for this recipe. Cut the strawberries in half or into quarters if they are too large.
• Cucumbers: You can use either Persian or English cucumbers for this recipe.
• Red onions: Thinly sliced red onion adds a lot of flavor.
• Pistachios: I prefer roasted unsalted pistachios for this salad since the goat cheese contains salt.
• Goat cheese: Pairs well with strawberries and pistachios, perfect with balsamic glaze as well.
• Dressing: This salad is so flavorful so I simply toss it with some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze before serving.

How To Make Strawberry Salad

Step 1: Assemble the Salad

Arrange the spring mix in a large salad bowl. Layer the strawberries and cucumbers on top.
Add the red onions and shelled pistachios for extra crunch.
Crumble the goat cheese into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle it over the salad.
Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Gently toss everything together just before serving.

Step 2: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately as a light meal or alongside grilled chicken or salmon for added protein.

Variations

There are a few other ingredients that you can add to this salad to jazz it up. Here are a few suggestions:

• Nuts: You can add walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, or hazelnuts instead of pistachios.
• Greens: Use spinach or arugula instead of spring mix.
• Fruits: Enhance the flavors with blueberries, raspberries, or even peach slices for a summery twist.
• Cheese: Swap goat cheese with feta for a tangy twist, burrata for creaminess, blue cheese for boldness, Parmesan for nuttiness, or ricotta salata for a mild, salty touch.
• Bread: Store-bought or homemade croutons add a nice crunch to this salad.
• Chicken: Add grilled chicken to this salad to turn it into a complete meal.
• Grains: Add some cooked bulgur, orzo, or freekeh to this salad to make it heartier.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry goat cheese salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

As a Side: Pair it with summer meals like grilled spatchcock chicken, grilled kofta kebab, or grilled salmon for a refreshing contrast.
With Vegetarian Dishes: Serve it alongside cauliflower fritters, zucchini fritters, or cheesy borek for a satisfying meatless meal.
With Mediterranean Favorites: This salad complements crispy falafel, hummus with pita, or stuffed grape leaves beautifully.
As a Light Meal: Add grilled shrimp, grilled steak, or quinoa for a heartier salad that works as a complete meal.

With Soups and Stews: Enjoy it with a warm bowl of Turkish red lentil soup, creamy chicken vegetable soup, or easy tortellini soup.

Storage

• Leftovers: If you’ve tossed the salad with balsamic glaze and olive oil, it’s best to eat it immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Making ahead: You can make this salad up to 4 hours in advance but don’t toss it with olive oil and balsamic glaze until you’re ready to serve.