Spinach and Arugula Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese

This spinach and arugula salad is a delightful summer combination, featuring the sharp bite of red onion, the smooth richness of creamy goat cheese, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the sweet burst of fresh strawberries.

Why You'll Love This Spinach and Arugula Salad Recipe

A fresh salad is a perfect choice during warmer months and complements a wide range of dishes. This summer-ready spinach and arugula salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, including red onion, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and sweet strawberries, all enhanced by our homemade honey balsamic vinaigrette. It's a beautiful and simple salad to prepare for any gathering. Here are a few more reasons why you will love this spinach arugula salad recipe:

• Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The peppery arugula and mild spinach create a fresh base, perfectly complemented by the tangy red onion, creamy goat cheese, sweet strawberries, and crunchy pecans.
• A Feast for the Eyes: The vibrant colors of the greens, red onion, strawberries, and white goat cheese make it a visually appealing dish.
• Simple to Make: This simple spinach arugula salad requires minimal effort to assemble, and the vinaigrette is a quick whisk-together recipe.

Spinach and Arugula Salad Ingredients

You’ll need the following simple ingredients to make this refreshing spinach arugula salad:

Ingredient Notes

• Leafy Greens: For a balanced flavor profile, we combined the peppery notes of fresh arugula with the mild earthiness of fresh baby spinach.
• Berries: Fresh, seasonal strawberries not only add a beautiful pop of color but also a burst of sweet flavor. Alternatively, raspberries or blueberries would be delicious additions or can be used in their place.
• Cheese: Goat cheese adds a delightful tangy flavor to this salad. If you prefer a less tangy note, try using parmesan cheese or feta cheese, which offers a more salty flavor.
• Red Onion: The red onion's characteristic "bite" introduces a layer of complexity that nicely contrasts with the sweeter elements, stopping the salad from being too sweet or falling flat.
• Nuts: Pecans have a naturally rich, buttery flavor that adds a luxurious element to the salad. This contrasts nicely with the often brighter and more acidic flavors of other salad components and the vinaigrette. Walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or sliced almonds would also make great options.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Always season your salads with a pinch of salt and black pepper for added savory flavor.

Find the printable recipe card with full instructions and measurements below.

How To Make A Spinach And Arugula Salad

Follow these steps to make the perfect fresh spinach arugula salad:

• Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended). Spread the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.

• Step 2: Assemble the Salad Greens. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach and arugula. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss the greens with a few tablespoons of homemade salad dressing. 

• Step 3: Distribute the Toppings. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced strawberries evenly over the salad. Give the salad a quick toss and serve with a side of the balsamic vinaigrette.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions for this easy spinach arugula salad with honey balsamic vinaigrette, considering its fresh and balanced flavors:

• Simple Side Salad: Serving a portion of this green salad alongside soup, a quiche, or a sandwich creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal for a light lunch or brunch.
• First Course: Offer smaller portions as a refreshing starter before a main course. This vibrant salad would be the perfect addition to our garlic butter chicken thighs, honey mustard chicken thighs, or honey mustard salmon.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a larger portion on its own for a healthy and satisfying lunch. You could add grilled chicken breast or slices of a prepared roasted chicken for extra protein.

Expert Tips

• Add some of the vinaigrette before the toppings: For a perfectly dressed salad, lightly toss the greens with a portion of the vinaigrette before adding heavier toppings. This ensures even coating, protects delicate ingredients, and distributes flavor evenly. Serve additional vinaigrette on the side for those who prefer more dressing.
• Layer thoughtfully: Consider how the ingredients will interact. Heavier items might sink, so layer accordingly for visual appeal and even distribution.
• Use fresh ingredients: For the most vibrant texture and flavor in this arugula spinach salad, prioritize fresh produce. Fresh spinach and arugula will offer a delightful crispness and resist wilting, while the strawberries will be bursting with juicy sweetness, and the red onion will provide a firm, subtly sharp bite.

Storage Instructions

• Storage: Once the salad is assembled and especially after it's dressed, it's best to enjoy it immediately. The greens can become soggy, and the textures of the other ingredients can change over time once they are in contact with the dressing. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

More Recipes You'll Love

• Balsamic Honey Salad Dressing: To truly elevate this arugula and spinach salad, we love pairing it with this flavorful homemade dressing. It's a simple yet delightful blend of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper, perfectly complementing the fresh ingredients.
• Arugula Salad with Parmesan: Here's another flavorful summer salad, our simple arugula salad recipe. In under 10 minutes, you can enjoy greens tossed in a homemade honey-sweetened lemon balsamic vinaigrette, topped with pine nuts and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. It's the perfect side salad all year round.

I hope you love this spinach and arugula salad recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

Recipe