Blueberry Goat Cheese Spring Salad

Fresh salad of spinach, strawberries and blueberries with cheese and pecans with honey dressing close-up in a plate on the table. Vertical top view from above

This salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the berries contrasting beautifully with the tanginess of the blueberry goat cheese and the crunch of the pecans.

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
2. 1 cup fresh blueberries
3. 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
4. 1/2 cup crumbled LaClare blueberry vanilla goat cheese
5. 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
6. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
7. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8. Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
2. Hull the strawberries and slice them thinly.
3. Rinse the blueberries and drain them well.
4. Roughly chop the pecans.
5. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, and chopped pecans.
6. Crumble the blueberry goat cheese over the salad ingredients. Ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the salad.
7. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Use tongs or salad servers to gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
9. Once the salad is well mixed, transfer it to individual serving plates or a large serving platter.
10. Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing and vibrant appetizer or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.