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Fresh Strawberry Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

fresh strawberry salad - featured image
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A light and refreshing summer salad featuring sweet strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for quick meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the pecans and stir to coat. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, watching closely so the sugar melts and clings without burning.
  3. Transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool and harden.
  4. Wash and slice the strawberries: Rinse under cold water and gently pat dry. Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops, then slice into halves or quarters.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and sliced strawberries. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  7. Add more dressing if needed, but be careful not to overdress.
  8. Add goat cheese and pecans: Crumble goat cheese over the salad and sprinkle the cooled candied pecans on top.
  9. Give the salad one last gentle toss or serve as is to preserve texture contrast.
  10. Season with extra cracked black pepper or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
  11. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully over medium heat to avoid burning the sugar. Dress salad just before serving to keep greens crisp. For vegan adaptation, substitute goat cheese with seasoned tofu or dairy-free cheese and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, candied pecans, goat cheese, summer salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad

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