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Fresh Spring Mix Salad Recipe with Creamy Goat Cheese and Berries for Easy Healthy Meals

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A vibrant and easy-to-make salad combining fresh spring mix greens, creamy goat cheese, and mixed berries, perfect for a light, healthy meal bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh spring mix greens (about 150 grams)
  • 4 ounces creamy goat cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) (about 150 grams)
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (about 50 grams) (optional)
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (about 40 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. If your spring mix isn’t pre-washed, rinse it gently under cold water and spin dry using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Dry greens are key to avoid a soggy salad. (5 minutes)
  2. Hull and quarter strawberries if using, and leave blueberries and raspberries whole. Place berries on a paper towel briefly to remove excess moisture. (3 minutes)
  3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts or pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning. Let cool. (5 minutes)
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. (3 minutes)
  5. Using a fork, break the goat cheese into small crumbles or spread it gently over the salad later for creaminess. For ultra-smooth texture, blend briefly with a splash of olive oil. (2 minutes)
  6. In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, sliced red onion, berries, and toasted nuts. Drizzle half the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat without crushing berries. (3 minutes)
  7. Crumble or dollop goat cheese on top. Drizzle the remaining dressing if desired for extra flavor. (1 minute)
  8. Give the salad one last gentle toss just before serving to mix in the goat cheese creaminess with the rest. Serve immediately for best freshness. (1 minute)

Notes

Avoid overdressing to keep the salad crisp. Dry greens thoroughly before assembling. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh, ripe berries for best flavor. Prepare ingredients ahead to save time. Add goat cheese just before serving to maintain texture. Store components separately to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring mix salad, goat cheese salad, berry salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, quick salad, fresh salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/fresh-spring-mix-salad-recipe-with-creamy-goat-cheese-and-berries-for-easy-healthy-meals/