Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Berry season calls for this Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad—a bright, easy salad with fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, crispy bacon and creamy avocado. Ready in minutes and finished with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it makes a delightful side or a satisfying main when you add grilled chicken.

This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is refreshing and full of contrasting textures and flavors. It works well as a simple side or as a main course when paired with protein like grilled chicken or salmon.

Why You Will Love This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad:

• Not your ordinary salad: Juicy strawberries, peppery arugula, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, salty bacon and creamy avocado combine for a lively, balanced bite.
• Quick to assemble: With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a simple vinaigrette to whisk together, this salad can be ready in about 10–20 minutes.
• Flexible for serving: Serve it as a side at a gathering or top it with sliced grilled chicken, salmon, or pork to make a complete meal.

Ingredient Notes

Below is a summary of the main ingredients. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card.

For the Salad:

• Baby arugula: Found in the packaged greens section; substitute spinach, spring mix or baby kale if preferred.
• Fresh strawberries: Use fresh berries—avoid thawed frozen fruit. You can also add raspberries or blueberries for variety.
• Goat cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess. Feta can be a good substitute, or omit or replace with plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option.
• Pecans: Toast raw pecan halves briefly on the stovetop for best flavor. Unsalted roasted pecans or other nuts like almonds or walnuts work too.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped. Turkey bacon is an option if you prefer.

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil for vibrant flavor; avocado or a neutral oil can substitute.
• Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic gives a smoother, richer flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Adds depth and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
• Honey: Balances the acidity; maple syrup can be used instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 2 days for best texture and flavor. If making this for a gathering, assemble close to serving time to avoid wilted greens or browned avocado. The dressing keeps well refrigerated for 2–3 weeks.

Other Salad Recipes:

• Spring Green Salad with Sourdough Croutons
• Pesto Orzo Salad
• Chickpea Avocado Salad
• Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
• Ramen Cabbage Salad
• Strawberry Feta Quinoa Salad

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Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Fresh berries, toasted pecans, crispy bacon and more, finished with a balsamic vinaigrette. A quick, flavorful salad suitable as a side or main.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients:

• 5 oz baby arugula
• 2 cups strawberries, stems removed and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
• 1 avocado, cubed
• 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup pecan halves, toasted
• 5–6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

For Balsamic Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1–2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions

• Whisk together the dressing ingredients and chill until ready to serve.
• Chop and prepare the salad ingredients. Lightly toast pecans over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. Cook bacon until crispy and chop.
• Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Start with about half the dressing, toss gently, and add more dressing to taste just before serving.

Notes

• Substitute your favorite greens if you don’t enjoy arugula.
• Prep ingredients and dressing up to one day ahead; add avocado and dressing only when serving.
• Dressing quantities produce extra; nutrition info assumes the full amount is used, though you may use less.

Nutrition

Calories: 451 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 15 g,
Protein: 9 g,
Fat: 41 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.