Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad
Introduction
Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that brings together sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a refreshing addition to any gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
This salad is a great choice because it is packed with nutrients. Strawberries offer a burst of vitamin C, while avocados provide healthy fats. The goat cheese adds a creamy texture and a unique taste, and the walnuts provide a nice crunch. This mix of flavors and textures makes this salad stand out and very enjoyable.
How to Make Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad
Making Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad is simple and quick. You don’t need to be a cooking expert to whip this up. Just follow these easy steps!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 5 oz arugula (or substitute with baby kale or spinach)
- 3 oz crumbled goat cheese
- 3/4 cup avocado, thinly sliced (about 1 avocado)
- 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted or untoasted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, pepper, salt, and balsamic vinegar.
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, red onion, avocado, strawberries, and walnuts.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad
Serve this salad on a large platter or in individual bowls. It goes well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to any main course. You can also enjoy it on its own as a snack or light meal.
How to Store Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad
If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh. To avoid sogginess, store the dressing separately and mix it when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad
- To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze a little lemon juice on it right after slicing.
- If you want a bit of spice, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- You can use any type of lettuce or greens in place of arugula.
Variation
Feel free to add other ingredients to this salad, like grilled chicken for protein or nuts like almonds or pecans for additional crunch. You can also switch up the cheese; feta works well too!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the salad fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and mix them just before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of goat cheese?
A: If you don’t like goat cheese, you can use feta cheese or even mozzarella.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Enjoy preparing and savoring this Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad! It’s a healthy and tasty way to enjoy fresh produce.
