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Fresh Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad Recipe with Candied Pecans

fresh strawberry goat cheese salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer salad combining sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy homemade candied pecans, perfect for light meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, spring mix)
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup candied pecans (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for candied pecans)
  • 1 cup pecans (for candied pecans)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: Heat ½ cup granulated sugar in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Quickly add 1 cup pecans, stirring to coat evenly. Spread on parchment paper to cool and harden. Break into bite-sized clusters once cool.
  2. Slice the strawberries and red onion: Hull and thinly slice the strawberries. Slice the red onion paper-thin; soak in cold water for 5 minutes if desired to mellow sharpness.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle about half the dressing and toss gently to coat without bruising the leaves.
  5. Add goat cheese and pecans: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and cooled candied pecans over the top. Drizzle remaining dressing in a zigzag pattern for presentation.
  6. Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh. Keep dressing separate if needed to avoid sogginess.

Notes

Make candied pecans first to allow cooling time. Soak red onion slices in cold water to reduce sharpness. Use ripe but firm strawberries to avoid watery salad. Keep dressing and candied pecans separate until serving to maintain crispness. Substitute nuts or cheese as desired for dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, goat cheese salad, candied pecans, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/fresh-strawberry-goat-cheese-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/