Spring Strawberry Arugula Salad (Printable)

Fresh strawberries and arugula with goat cheese and balsamic glaze, perfect for light, easy spring dining.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

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 4–5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt until well combined.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, and red onion.
04 - Drizzle the olive oil–lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
05 - Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts. Toss lightly or arrange toppings neatly for presentation.
06 - Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Finish with freshly ground black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can actually enjoy your guests instead of hiding in the kitchen.
  • The balsamic glaze tastes like you spent hours on it, but the secret is just patience and a small saucepan.
  • Something about goat cheese and strawberries together makes people feel genuinely cared for, even if you made it on a whim.
02 -
  • Don't make the balsamic glaze too far ahead or it hardens into a sticky mess as it cools, so plan to do it while your guests are settling in.
  • Pat your arugula completely dry before it goes in the bowl, because wet greens dilute the dressing and make everything taste flat and sad.
03 -
  • Make the balsamic glaze earlier in the day and store it in a jar at room temperature, then just give it a gentle stir right before service.
  • If your strawberries aren't quite as sweet as you'd hoped, slice them an hour ahead and toss them gently with a tiny pinch of sugar so they release their juices into their own natural syrup.
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