Summer Berry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey-Balsamic Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining sweet summer berries with creamy goat cheese and a honey-balsamic vinaigrette over mixed greens. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes blends mixed salad greens, hulled and sliced strawberries, blueberries into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries, and 1/2 cup blueberries.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 4 oz crumbled goat cheese and 1/3 cup toasted walnuts on top, then serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Summer Berry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey-Balsamic Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Summer Berry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey-Balsamic Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Berry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey-Balsamic Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Summer Berry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey-Balsamic Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Summer Berry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey-Balsamic Dressing?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes