Go Back
Delicious Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Goat Cheese Croutons for summer

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Goat Cheese Croutons

A vibrant summer salad featuring fresh strawberries, crisp greens, and creamy fried goat cheese croutons, balanced with a delightful poppy seed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 6-8 cups Romaine Lettuce, washed and chopped You can use spring mix or baby spinach as a substitute.
  • 2 cups Arugula, washed and chopped Swap for more romaine or butter lettuce if preferred.
  • 1 large bunch Fresh Basil, roughly chopped or torn Oregano or parsley can be substituted if basil isn’t available.
  • 1 small Red Onion, diced Sweet onion or green onions work as alternatives.
  • 16 oz Strawberries, diced Any berry can be an excellent substitute for variety.
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds Pumpkin seeds are a great alternative if allergies are a concern.
Goat Cheese Croutons
  • 1 batch Fried Goat Cheese Crispy chickpeas can be used for a vegan option.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Half and half
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Poppy seeds Can be omitted or substituted with sesame seeds.
  • 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, half and half, sugar, sour cream, poppy seeds, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set in the fridge to chill.
  2. Prepare the goat cheese: Follow the instructions for frying goat cheese until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine romaine lettuce, arugula, basil, onion, strawberries, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle some of the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
  4. Top with the goat cheese: Add warm fried goat cheese croutons on top of the salad for that rich, creamy finish.
  5. Serve: Enjoy immediately with additional poppy seed dressing on the side for those who desire extra flavor.

Notes

Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftover ingredients can be stored (without dressing or fried goat cheese) for up to two days. Dressings can be made ahead of time.