Name: Strawberry And Goats Cheese Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 60 g soft goats cheese; 5 strawberries; 80 g salad leaves (lollo rosso recommended); 1 tbsp balsamic glaze; 1 tsp brown sugar

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Although the exact origins of strawberry and goats cheese salad aren’t clear, I first tried this delicious combination several years ago at an Argentinian-inspired restaurant while celebrating my birthday. It was served as a starter, but I’ve been making it as a light main meal ever since. The mix of sweet strawberries, creamy goats cheese, and tangy balsamic glaze creates a perfect balance of flavours, making it a refreshing yet satisfying dish. This recipe is naturally a low calorie salad, relying on fresh, simple ingredients, so no adaptations were needed to keep it healthy.

This strawberry and goats cheese salad is packed with health benefits while being light on calories. Strawberries are a great source of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which can help support the immune system and improve skin health. The UPF-free salad leaves, particularly the lollo rosso, add not just texture but a healthy dose of fibre and vitamins like A and K. Goats cheese provides a creamier texture than cow’s milk cheese and is often easier on the stomach, while still providing plenty of protein and calcium. Since this salad only uses minimal sugar and a small amount of balsamic glaze, it’s naturally low in calories, making it ideal for those who are looking for wholesome, healthy recipes.

Do you have a diet restriction?

This strawberry and goats cheese salad is:

Vegetarian
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Gluten Free
Low FODMAP
Ultra Processed Food Free

Step 1: Lay down a bed of leaves

Begin by preparing 80g of mixed salad leaves. For this salad, I recommend using a mix that includes lollo rosso as it brings both texture and colour, enhancing the overall feel of the dish. Make sure to wash the leaves thoroughly under cold water and then gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. The leaves should be crisp and fresh, as they form the base of this low calorie salad. Once dry, arrange the salad leaves in an even layer on your serving plate or bowl. By doing this, you create a fresh, crunchy foundation that will support the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the goats cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the strawberries

Take around 5 ripe strawberries and give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides if not organic. Strawberries are one of the key components of this salad, providing a burst of natural sweetness and a pop of colour. After drying them gently with a paper towel, remove the tops and use a sharp knife to slice each strawberry in half. Depending on the size of the strawberries, you may choose to slice them into quarters if they are particularly large. Arrange the strawberry slices evenly over the salad leaves, distributing them across the entire plate so that each bite has a nice balance of sweet fruit and fresh greens. Strawberries not only add a lovely fruity flavour, but they’re also loaded with antioxidants, making this a nutrient-dense addition to the salad.

Step 3: Caramelise the goats cheese

Next, take 60g of soft goats cheese and cut it into 5 or 6 even rounds, this can be a bit tricky as goats cheese is very crumbly so take your time. Goats cheese is known for its rich, creamy texture and tangy flavour, which pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries. Lay the cheese slices out on a baking tray ready for the next step. Sprinkle a small pinch of brown sugar on top of each slice. The sugar will caramelise, giving the cheese a golden, slightly sweet crust that contrasts perfectly with the creaminess of the cheese. If you own a chef’s blow torch, use it to carefully caramelise the sugar. Hold the torch about 6 inches away from the cheese and move it in small circles to avoid burning any one spot. If you don’t have a blow torch, no worries! Simply preheat your oven’s grill to a high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the goats cheese slices on a baking tray and pop them under the grill. Keep a close eye on them, as they only need 2–3 minutes to caramelise and you dont want the goast cheese to melt to a liquid as this will make it hard to remove from the baking tray. The goal is to melt the sugar until it bubbles and turns a light golden brown, without letting the cheese itself melt too much. This creates a delightful texture—crisp on the outside and soft inside, elevating this low calorie salad.

Step 4: Add the goats cheese and finish with balsamic glaze

Once your goats cheese has been caramelised and is still warm, carefully place the rounds on top of the salad. Use a spatula to transfer the cheese gently, ensuring the caramelised sugar stays intact. Evenly distribute the cheese slices across the salad, placing them on top of the strawberries and leaves to create a balanced presentation. Next, take your balsamic glaze and drizzle it evenly over the entire salad in thin streams, so each bite is infused with a touch of tangy sweetness. The warmth of the cheese slightly warms the strawberries, while the glaze ties all the flavours together—making this strawberry and goats cheese salad a beautifully balanced and visually appealing dish ready to be served immediately.

Variations

Swap strawberries for figs for a richer, deeper fruit flavour.
Add roasted pine nuts or almonds for an extra crunch and some healthy fats.
Use a honey drizzle instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness on the goats cheese.
Toss in a handful of fresh rocket leaves for a peppery bite.
Try using blue cheese instead of goats cheese for a sharper, more intense flavour.

FAQ

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, the salad leaves and strawberries can be prepped in advance. However, caramelise the goats cheese just before serving to maintain its warm, gooey texture.

Can I freeze this salad?
No, the fresh ingredients, especially the salad leaves and strawberries, don’t freeze well. It’s best eaten fresh.

How long will the leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon reheating. I would strongly recommend you eat this salad fresh whilst the goats cheese is still warm.

Can I substitute the goats cheese?
Yes, feta or ricotta could be used as an alternative, though the flavour will differ. Feta offers a sharper taste, while ricotta is milder and creamier.

Can I make this salad more filling?
Yes, you can add ingredients like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or quinoa to make the salad more substantial while still keeping it a part of your healthy recipes.This recipe is rather lacking in protein so you should always consider adding a source of protein to the side.

What does UPF-free mean?
UPF-free means that the ingredients used are free from ultra-processed foods. This ensures that your meals are made with whole, natural ingredients, contributing to a healthier diet overall.

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