Spring Dinner Strawberry Arugula (Printable)

A fresh mix of sweet strawberries, arugula, goat cheese, and tangy balsamic glaze perfect for spring evenings.

# What You'll Need:

β†’ 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

β†’ Balsamic Glaze

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

β†’ Dressing

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

# Step-by-Step:

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 simmer for 4-5 minutes until 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 arugula, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion.
04 - Drizzle the olive oil and lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts. Toss lightly or arrange toppings neatly for optimal presentation.
06 - Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad immediately before serving. Finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes.
  • The blend of sweet strawberries and peppery arugula creates a refreshing, balanced flavor.
  • Creamy goat cheese adds a delightful tang and texture contrast.
  • The homemade balsamic glaze adds a rich, flavorful finish.
  • Perfectly suited for spring dinners, gatherings, and entertaining.
02 -
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor contrast.
  • Simmer the balsamic glaze until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick to drizzle.
  • Toast nuts just before use to keep them crunchy.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey or maple syrup.
  • Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain freshness and texture.
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