Strawberry Salad
Strawberry Salad with Vinaigrette & Goat Cheese
2 servings | 15 minutes
Summer is truly the best produce and this Strawberry Salad with Vinaigrette & Goat Cheese is a delightful way to enjoy the summer bounty all dressed in a tangy strawberry vinaigrette
Summer is truly the best season for salads here in California! Our produce just starts popping off in the spring and peaks like none other in the summer. One of my favorite activities throughout the year is a farmer's market wander and my favorite way to shop local. I love to show up at a market with no list and minimal expectations and just let the farmers' picks guide my meals for the next few days. In San Francisco, we're beyond spoiled with multiple markets almost every day of the week but find out when your closest farmer's market is and give it a wander! It's the best way to meet your local purveyors and adventure with new ingredients and produce that you won't find at your average grocer.
Your favorite summer fruits favorite fruit is strawberry
Is there a food more associated with summer other than strawberries? Strawberries reign supreme in the summer and deserve the spotlight in this light and acidic salad. I gave the star of this show a double exposure with fresh sliced strawberries and my favorite acid: Crushed Strawberry Vinegar from Kosterina (available at Whole Foods). The goat cheese lends a tangy complement to these sweet berries so get at it while strawberries are at their best!
Just the tips
While the Crushed Strawberry Vinegar is supremely delicious, I know not all of you are going to go hit up Whole Foods (but if you can swing it, do it). You can substitute red wine vinegar for a punchier vinaigrette or even lemon juice for a citrus addition.
To best complement our salad star, the strawberry, I would recommend pairing this with a well-chilled Rosé of Pinot Noir for a more dry option or a Reisling for a sweeter pairing!
Strawberry Salad with Vinaigrette & Goat Cheese
2 servings | 15 minutes
Ingredients
½ tsp dijon mustard
½ tsp honey
fresh cracked pepper
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cups spring mix
2 cup frisée, tear to bite sized chunks
½ cup English cucumber, halved longways then sliced
1 cup strawberries, cored and sliced
2 tbsp chopped walnuts
¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled (if you can, don't buy the pre-crumbled stuff. It has a stabilizer so it's not as creamy)
1 avocado, sliced
¼ tsp poppy seeds, optional
½ tsp black sesame seeds, optional
flake salt
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon strawberry vinegar, ½ teaspoon dijon, ½ teaspoon honey, a few cranks of fresh cracked pepper, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. While continuously whisking, drizzle in 2 tablespoons olive oil to emulsify the vinaigrette.
In a large bowl, toss together 3 cups spring mix and 2 cups frisée. Add in ½ cup sliced cucumbers, 1 cup sliced strawberries, and 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts. Drizzle the vinaigrette over top and mix to coat the salad ingredients.
Add the salad to a large serving platter or bowl (or divide among individual bowls). Place the sliced avocado and crumbled goat cheese on top of the salad. If using, sprinkle the poppy seeds and black sesame seeds over top. Finish with flake salt and be sure to get a good amount on the sliced avocado (it's better seasoned).
