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.
Course Salad
Cuisine Vegetarian
Keyword Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 2servings
Calories 431kcal
Author Jenn Laughlin - Peas and Crayons
Ingredients
4ozgoat cheese
¼cupalmondsunsalted
2TBSProasted shelled sunflower seeds
10asparagus spearsor to taste
3-4cupsbaby arugula leaves
6-8fresh ripe strawberrieschopped or sliced
1kiwipeeled + sliced
2-3TBSProasted lightly salted almondssliced or whole
strawberry balsamic vinegarfor 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!
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!Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on amount of balsamic added and enjoy!