Ingredients
Method
- Whisk all ingredients vigorously in a small bowl or shake in a covered jar until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the dressing and toss gently until combined. Serve immediately.
Notes
Dressing Texture: I always prefer shaking the dressing in a glass jar because it creates a much better emulsion than whisking by hand.
Nutty Crunch: If you are out of pecans, I have discovered that toasted walnuts or even sunflower seeds provide that same satisfying texture.
Freshness Tip: I recommend waiting to dress the salad until the very last second to keep the baby spinach from wilting under the balsamic vinegar.
Prep Ahead: When I am hosting a dinner, I slice the strawberries and crumble the goat cheese a few hours early but keep them in separate containers in the fridge.
Serving Idea: I love turning this into a full meal by adding some warm grilled chicken or even a piece of seared salmon right on top.
Flavor Balance: I found that using a really fresh, zesty lemon makes a huge difference in cutting through the richness of the goat cheese.