Spring Strawberry Arugula Salad (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant salad with sweet strawberries, arugula, goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic glaze for spring gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 Steps:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin 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 coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts. Toss lightly or arrange toppings neatly for visual presentation.
06 - Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Finish with freshly ground black pepper.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can actually enjoy your own party instead of frantically plating food.
  • The sweet strawberries against peppery arugula and tangy balsamic create this flavor balance that feels sophisticated without pretending to be something it isn't.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead except the final assembly, so you're basically just tossing and serving when guests arrive.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad until right before serving, or the arugula will wilt and the strawberries will turn to mush within minutes.
  • The balsamic glaze thickens more as it cools, so if you overreduce it, it'll become almost candy-like; pull it off the heat when it seems just slightly thinner than where you want it to end up.
03 -
  • Make the balsamic glaze up to two days ahead and store it in a jar; it actually improves as it sits and reaches room temperature.
  • If your strawberries aren't sweet enough on their own, a light sprinkle of sugar on the cut sides while they sit for five minutes will coax out their juice and natural flavor.
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