Spring Strawberry Arugula Salad (Print View)

Bright blend of strawberries, arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze for a fresh, flavorful spring dish.

# Components:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
02 - 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 3/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
05 - 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Balsamic Glaze

07 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
08 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

→ Dressing

09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and let simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sea salt until well combined.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine fresh arugula, sliced strawberries, and sliced red onion.
04 - Drizzle the olive oil and lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts to the salad. Toss lightly or arrange toppings neatly for an attractive presentation.
06 - Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad immediately before serving. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes flat, leaving you time to actually enjoy your guests instead of sweating in the kitchen.
  • The balsamic glaze tastes like you've been simmering it all afternoon when really you spent five minutes on it.
  • Sweet, savory, creamy, and tangy all happen at once—your mouth doesn't know what to be happy about first.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad more than ten minutes before serving unless you enjoy sad, wilted arugula swimming in liquid—the greens will break down and release water.
  • The balsamic glaze must cool completely before you use it or the heat will wilt everything and turn your beautiful salad into mush.
03 -
  • Make the balsamic glaze the morning of if you're entertaining—one less thing to do while people are arriving.
  • If you have picky eaters, serve the balsamic drizzle on the side so they can control how much tang they get.
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