Strawberry Toasted Pecan Goat Cheese Salad
The ultimate spring salad you need to try! Strawberry Toasted Pecan Goat Cheese Salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans for a refreshing dish. Perfect for any gathering or a light meal, this salad is simple to prepare and absolutely delicious. Make it tonight for a taste of spring!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Butter Lettuce
- ½ cup Arugula Lettuce
- 1 cup sliced fresh ripe Strawberries
- ¼ Fresh Goat Cheese
- 1 teaspoon butter
- ½ cup toasted Pecans
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar to taste as dressing
Instructions
- Begin by shredding 2 cups of butter lettuce into a large bowl. The key here is to keep the pieces large enough to maintain their crispness. The lettuce should look vibrant and fresh, making you excited about the upcoming colors to join it.
- Add ½ cup of arugula lettuce to the bowl. Toss the greens gently to mix them up, allowing their textures to blend. You’ll notice the peppery aroma of the arugula enhancing the freshness of the salad.
- Now, let’s turn our attention to the strawberries. Carefully slice them into small pieces, aiming for uniformity. Once you’ve cut them, sprinkle them over the lettuce mixture, creating a beautiful contrast of colors. The bright red strawberries will pop against the greens.
- Next, take the goat cheese and cut or pinch it into pea-sized pieces. This step is crucial, as it allows the cheese to incorporate throughout the salad, giving every bite a delightful creaminess.
- In a stainless steel skillet over medium heat, melt 1 teaspoon of butter. Watch closely as it starts to sizzle and create a delightful aroma. This is your cue to add the pecans.
- Toast the pecans for about 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to brown and release their nutty fragrance. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning, and keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once toasted, remove the pecans from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly. This step is essential as the warmth will enhance their flavor, but they should not be too hot when added to the salad.
- Add the toasted pecans to the salad bowl, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning will enhance each ingredient, bringing out their natural flavors.
- Finally, dress the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle these over the top and toss everything gently, ensuring even coverage of the dressing. The salad should look vibrant and inviting as you serve it immediately.
- Enjoy your Strawberry Toasted Pecan Goat Cheese Salad as a refreshing side or a light meal on its own!
Notes
- Tip 1: You can substitute other berries in this salad and it will be equally as good.