Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with candied pecans and lemony vinaigrette—fresh, flavorful, and ready in 5 minutes! Perfect for lunch or entertaining.
There’s something about the combination of sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans that just works. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a stunning salad to serve at a gathering, this Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is always a hit.
I love how simple this salad is to put together, yet it feels elegant and special—like something you’d order at a restaurant. The homemade lemony vinaigrette ties everything together with just the right balance of brightness and acidity. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand!
Looking for more fresh & elegant salad recipes? Try my Caramelized Peach & Blueberry Salad, Orange Salad with Shrimp or Blueberry & Brie Salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy. Ready in just a few minutes with no cooking required.
- Perfect for Entertaining. Looks beautiful on the table and pairs well with a variety of main dishes, especially in the springtime!
- Customizable. Swap in different greens, nuts, or cheeses based on preference. (Brie is an excellent choice!)
Ingredients
- Spring Mix or Arugula
- Sliced Strawberries
- Goat Cheese
- Candied Pecans
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Sea salt
- Pepper
Instructions
Start by making the lemony vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until it emulsifies into a smooth dressing. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra honey balances the acidity beautifully.
Next, assemble the salad. In a large bowl, add your spring mix or arugula as the base. Scatter the sliced strawberries over the greens, then crumble in the goat cheese. You can also slice a goat cheese log into medallions for a different presentation.
Finally, add a generous sprinkle of candied pecans for that sweet crunch. Walnuts work well here, too! This recipe is very forgiving.
Just before serving, drizzle the lemony vinaigrette over the top and toss everything gently to coat. If you prefer, you can serve the dressing on the side so everyone can add their desired amount.
Video
Variations
Try these variations!
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Swap the Nuts: No pecans? Try toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios.
- Try a Different Cheese. Brie, feta or blue cheese would also work well.
Bonus Tip: Check out my video for making this salad with pistachio crusted goat cheese balls!
Pairings
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, quiche, or a simple soup for a well-rounded meal. It’s also a great addition to a brunch spread or holiday table! The berries make it a gorgeous addition to a springtime Easter menu.
If you try this Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more fresh, easy recipes.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
