Spinach Strawberry Salad with Baked Goat Cheese

Few days back I had a pint full of strawberries and a bag of baby spinach in my refrigerator. So rather than making a typical strawberry smoothie or palak-paneer (Spinach curry), I started looking for recipes online and I found this beautiful and refreshing Strawberry Spinach salad recipe with baked goat cheese.

After going through the recipe I was bit concerned about using Balsamic vinegar with something sweet especially strawberry. But I thought, let’s just try it.

Strawberry and balsamic vinegar are match made in heaven. What a Perfect combination. Now next time I am going to try this combination in dessert!!  We totally enjoyed this Salad with a warm bite of baked Goat Cheese and crunchiness of Pecans in every bite.

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Baked Goat Cheese

Adapted from Kokocooks.blogspot.com

Total time: 15 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
  • 4 oz Goat Cheese
  • ¼ cup plain Bread Crumbs
  • ¼ cup Halved Pecans
  • 2 Tbsp good quality Balsamic Vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp Honey3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil (EVOO)
  • 1 tsp Dried Mustard
  • Salt and pepper
  • 6 oz fresh Baby Spinach leaves
  • 2 cup Strawberries, diced
  • 2 Green Onions, light green and green parts thinly sliced (Optional)
Method:

Freeze goat cheese for at least 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 375˚F. Remove goat cheese from freezer, and slice into thick rounds. Dredge the goat cheese in the bread crumbs, making sure to completely cover the cheese. Place goat cheese rounds on a baking sheet. Place pecan halves in an even layer on same baking sheet. Bake until pecans are toasted, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven, and roughly chop pecans. Set aside.

While you are waiting for 6 minutes, start preparing for Spinach salad so that you can immediately serve it with warm goat cheese.

In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, EVOO, and mustard. Whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Clean strawberries and spinach with water but make sure they are completely dry before you use them otherwise the dressing won’t be able to cover the salad properly ( Use salad spinner for best results).

Now Toss the spinach, strawberries, and green onions (if using) in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over the mixture, and toss to combine. Divide salad evenly into four bowls. Top with chopped pecans and a goat cheese round.

Enjoy this healthy, flavorful and refreshing summer salad just in 15 minutes!

Love,

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Category : Appetizer, Brunch, Dinner, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick Meal, Salad, Side dishes, Summer
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