A Low Carb Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing, fresh sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts.
A perfect, hearty salad that keeps you satiated without the carbs. A diabetic-friendly, keto, gluten-free and vegetarian salad the whole family will love.
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This is a perfect summer salad, but I enjoy having this salad all year round. I also enjoy it on Valentine's Day because the sliced fresh strawberries look like hearts. It just says "I love you"...lol.
If you enjoy goat cheese, you might also enjoy this Baked Goat Cheese Pasta recipe. For another strawberry salad, you might enjoy this Low Carb Strawberry Caprese Salad or for a refreshing summer salad this Blueberry Cucumber Salad always hits the spot.
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Why you'll love this strawberry goat cheese salad?
- A super fresh strawberry salad with a pop of color and tangy goat cheese makes it a beautiful salad to serve to your friends and family.
- Healthy, not only is it low in carbohydrates but it's also fairly low in calories but yet it's filling and can be served as a meal in itself.
- The quick and easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette takes a couple of minutes to make.
- With the bright colors and sweet strawberries, kids love eating this salad too.
- Make it in minutes and it's also great for meal prep to work during the week. Just add the dressing before you are ready to consume it.
Main ingredients to make?
Simple clean ingredients are used in this strawberry goat cheese salad.
- Lettuce Greens: I used mixed lettuce greens for this salad, arugula and spinach will also work with these flavors.
- Fresh Strawberries: sliced into beautiful heart shapes makes this salad looks oh-so pretty.
- Crumbled Goat Cheese: for those mild, earthy, buttery and tart flavors.
- Toasted Walnuts: for a little bit of crunch and nuttiness, gives this salad a nice contrast in texture.
- Salad Dressing: we made our own homemade balsamic salad dressing with olive oil, balsamic, shallots and salt and pepper. The full recipe is below.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Steps by step instructions
How to make the strawberry goat cheese salad?
STEP 1: To make the homemade balsamic vinaigrette, use a mason jar and add the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, shallots, salt and pepper. Screw on the lid and shake vigorously.
STEP 2: Add the mixed lettuce greens to a large salad bowl and then pour the salad dressing over it. Toss to combine.
STEP 3: Transfer to a platter dish or keep in the same bowl. Top with the crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts and sliced strawberries.
To toast the walnuts simply toast on the stove using a small pan over medium-low heat until fragrant.
STEP 4: drizzle the top with balsamic vinegar if needed.
Recipe tips
Top Tip: Toss the salad with the dressing just before you are ready to top it as mixed greens can get a bit soggy if you add the dressing too early.
Serving: This strawberry goat cheese salad can be served as a meal for two or as a side salad for 6 people. Serve with Crispy Chicken Thighs, Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings or keep it vegetarian with this Lemon Risotto recipe.
Storage: The salad is best served immediately once the dressing is added. Therefore you can make the dressing in advance and store it in an airtight mason jar for up to 2 weeks. Pour over the salad before you are ready to consume it.
Recipe variations
So many variations from different fruit to soft cheeses and nuts. Here are a few twists on this recipe.
- Berries - swap out the strawberries and use blueberries or blackberries instead.
- Cheese - this salad is also great with crumbled feta cheese, boursin or cream cheese.
- Nuts: swap the walnuts with toasted pecans, hazelnuts or cashews.
- Vegan - make it vegan and diary free by leaving out the goat cheese and using crumbled tofu instead.
- Shallots - don't have shallots? Use red onion instead for the dressing. You might want to slice the red onion and keep it in water for about a half hour just to remove some of the sharp onion aftertastes.
- Greens - Swap the mixed greens with baby spinach, arugula, romaine or green lettuce.
- Sweetener - If you prefer a sweeter salad you can add a few drops of stevia to the dressing or some low-carb maple syrup.
This goat cheese strawberry salad is also gluten free.
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Frequently asked questions
138 calories per serving as a side salad.
You can either purchase it crumbled or buy the log of goat cheese and cut it into pieces with a knife or tear off small pieces with your hands and add it to the salad.
Feta has a stronger salty flavor and has more calories and goat cheese is mild and more creamy.
I do prefer both but with strawberries, I prefer goat cheese as it doesn't overpower the salad.
People with diabetes can enjoy this salad as it is made with clean ingredients and is low-carb.
However, all foods affect everyone differently so please monitor your blood sugar levels to see how it affects you personally.
Recipe Card
Low-Carb Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Instructional Recipe Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ shallot diced
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 3 cups mixed green lettuce
- 6 oz strawberries washed and sliced
- 2 oz goat cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted
Instructions
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Add the salad dressing ingredients to a small mason jar. Place the lid on and shake vigoursly for 30 seconds.2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, ¼ shallot, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- To a large salad bowl add the mixed lettuce greens and pour the salad drssing over the greens. Toss the salad.3 cups mixed green lettuce
- Transfer the tossed salad to a serving platter and top with remaining ingredients. You can also leave in the large bowl.6 oz strawberries, 2 oz goat cheese, ¼ cup walnuts
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegarette. (See video)
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Mina says
I think this is the perfect spring salad! I love strawberries!
Elizabeth says
Such a great salad! Thanks for the recipe!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Delicious salad! The sweet strawberries taste so good with the tart dressing. Great summer salad.
Natalie Perry says
This is my favorite salad. The homemade dressing is delicious and so easy ! Thank you
Nicole says
Strawberries and goat cheese are like the perfect marriage! I loved this recipe!