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Balsamic Spring Salad

Balsamic Spring Salad: Fresh, Colorful, and Super Easy!

This Balsamic Spring Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Greens
  • 1 head Red Lettuce Substitute with red leaf or radicchio if desired
  • 1 head Green Lettuce Opt for green leaf or butter lettuce instead of iceberg
For the Vegetables
  • 1 bulb Fennel Slice thinly using a mandoline
  • 1 small Red Onion Soak in cold water for a milder option
For the Fruit
  • 1 cup Strawberries Use fresh, ripe ones for maximum flavor
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Candied Walnuts Or substitute with pecans
  • 4 oz Goat Cheese Fresh goat cheese is preferred
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar Can be replaced with apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil is a great alternative
  • 2 tbsp Honey For vegan option, swap with maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be used if needed
  • 1 small Shallots Finely chopped or substitute with red onion
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Dried thyme can be substituted, use half the amount
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Fresh Mint Highly recommended for brightness

Equipment

  • Salad Spinner
  • Mandoline
  • Blender

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and dry the red and green lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Slice the fennel paper-thin using a mandoline for tender bites. Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a blender, combine strawberries with balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, chopped shallot, minced garlic, and thyme. Blend until smooth, slowly adding olive oil to emulsify.
  4. Slice remaining strawberries and crumble goat cheese into small pieces.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the sliced fennel, soaked red onion, sliced strawberries, and candied walnuts. Toss with the dressing.
  6. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and fresh mint on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Dress the salad just before serving for maximum freshness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

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