Spinach, Fruit, Goat Cheese Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Prepare produce

Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach (and mixed greens if using) in a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. Hull and quarter the strawberries, rinse the blueberries, thinly slice the apple into bite-size pieces, and thinly slice the red onion. Tear the mint leaves if using.

Toast nuts

Place the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Roughly chop if whole.

Assemble salad

In a large salad bowl combine the dried spinach and mixed greens. Add the sliced apple, strawberries, blueberries, red onion, toasted nuts, and torn mint. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the top. Lightly season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper; remember the vinaigrette will add more seasoning.

In a small bowl or jar combine the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and lemon juice. Whisk to blend.

Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified.

Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. If the dressing is too tart, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon honey; if too thick, thin with up to 1 teaspoon water.

Let the dressing rest for 5 minutes to allow the shallot to mellow, or make up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate (bring to room temperature and re-emulsify before serving).

Just before serving, drizzle about 3–4 tablespoons of the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat. Start with less dressing and add more as desired — you likely will use 4–6 tablespoons total depending on preference.

Plate the salad on individual plates or serve family-style. Finish with an extra sprinkle of goat cheese, a few whole berries for garnish, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.