Just say no to boring salads! This sweet and savory Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad is flecked with strawberries and kiwi and topped with a fruity balsamic dressing.
I’ve gone through a lot of phases in my life.
Some were fashion related, involving an 80’s-era obsession with oversized tees and bike shorts with looots of neon for good measure, while others involved an obsession with becoming a famous singer (I can’t sing) or the star of a school play (epic stage fright). I even went through a phase where I thought it was a great idea to cut my own bangs for a while…
Ok fine, I’m still very much going through that phase right now. Someone take these scissors away from me!
Most of my phases, however, have been of the foodie variety.
At any given moment I’ll be on a seafood kick, a pesto kick, or even a cheese kick…
Just kidding! I’m always on a cheese kick!
Lately I’ve been marching in the goat cheese and balsamic parade extra hard. The combination is just so fantastically salty/creamy/sweet and savory that I can’t help myself. I love the duo on toast, as a sandwich spread, and especially on salads!
Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
This fruit and veggie studded salad is chock full of antioxidants and features peppery arugula, fresh kiwi and strawberries, tender asparagus, and creamy goat cheese balls rolled in crunchy almonds. Top it off with your favorite balsamic vinegar and get ready for greatness with this picnic-perfect salad!
Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
Just say no to boring salads! This sweet and savory Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad is flecked with strawberries and kiwi and topped with a fruity balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup almonds unsalted
- 2 TBSP roasted shelled sunflower seeds
- 10 asparagus spears or to taste
- 3-4 cups baby arugula leaves
- 6-8 fresh ripe strawberries chopped or sliced
- 1 kiwi peeled + sliced
- roasted lightly salted almonds sliced or whole
- strawberry balsamic vinegar for drizzling
Instructions
- Place sunflower seeds and almonds in a plastic bag and pulverize with a glass olive oil bottle or any such object you choose! You can also go old fashioned and chop them or utilize a food processor if you'd prefer. The goal is to have finely crushed nuts and seeds for coating your goat cheese.
- Roll your goat cheese into balls, then roll each ball in the crushed almond mixture to coat, pressing gently to help as much of the mixture stick as possible. Set aside.
- Blanch your asparagus in boiling water for approx. 2 minutes until tender yet firm, then toss in ice water to halt the cooking process.
- Chop asparagus + set aside.
- Now let's make a salad!
- Top your arugula with asparagus, strawberries, kiwi, goat cheese balls, almonds, and any other toppings that float your boat!
- Drizzle with strawberry balsamic vinegar and dig in!
Recipe Notes
Recipe yields 2 side salads or one extra large salad.
Blueberries would also be amazing in this salad, so feel free to add them if you have 'em!
I used my favorite strawberry-infused balsamic vinegar for this salad. They can be found in select grocery stores, online, and in olive oil/vinegar shops. You can absolutely use regular balsamic vinegar too, both options work great!
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Audrey
This such a pretty salad! I love that you crusted the goat cheese in almonds. Brillant! I can’t wait to try your recipe.
Jenn
Thank you Audrey! Hope you get a chance to try it soon!
Sara
This looks amazing! Those goat cheese balls! Yummy!
Ali @ Home & Plate
What a delicious looking salad full of great flavor. My son is a swimmer and I can see him ordering two of these servings. Love the addition of kiwi and the almonds for the added protein. Looks wonderful.
Tamara
I’ve had many obsessions over my 57 years too, and goat cheese is one of many! I love the idea of rolling goat cheese in almonds before adding to a beautiful salad like this one!
Aish Padihari
I’m actually a big fan of goat cheese. Love this recipe.
Jenn
Glad to hear it! Thanks!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest
You’ve put everything I love on one plate. Great idea or coat the goat cheese in almonds! Sometimes I coat goat cheese “patties” with panko and fry them — kind of like a goat cheese crouton. #doesntsuck!
Jenn
Haha fried goat cheese def #doesntsuck — love it! Thanks Lisa!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’m not sure what I’m more enchanted with, the almond encrusted goat cheese balls or the tender asparagus spears. This salad is off the chain; I’m pretty sure that was a fad too.
Cathy Trochelman
That almond crusted goat cheese! I NEED it in my life!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
Whaaat! I’ve never seen a salad like this. I so have to add almond crusted goat cheese to all salads from now on! 😀
Stephanie
This is my kind of salad! Yum!
Krista
This sounds so refreshing! I love kiwi!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
I love that these little goat cheese balls are the focus of this salad – they are beautiful and sound delicious!
Jenn
Thanks Heather! I have a thing for cheese and it shows, haha!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
You totally had me at goat cheese. Addict!
Jenn
It’s the BEST, right!? 🙂
Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie
I love everything about this salad! Fresh fruit, nuts, and cheese…it’s got it all!
Jenn
Thanks Amy!
Rachel @ Mesa Cooking Co.
This looks terrific! I love that goat cheese and asparagus combination! Well, and also the kiwi, strawberries, and almonds – basically, you’ve got tons of amazing ingredients and flavors in here! What a perfect summer salad 🙂
Jenn
Thanks Rachel! 🙂
Justine | Cooking and Beer
I love when goat cheese is crusted in something crunchy! This is such a great use of almonds!
Jenn
Thanks Justine! I’m the same way – goat cheese is always better with a crunch to balance out the creamy! <3
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