Goat Cheese and Vanilla Vinaigrette: Berry and Fig Salad

A light and summery salad full of strawberries, raspberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, figs, goat cheese and a from-scratch vanilla vinaigrette.

Whether it’s the fresh strawberries, raspberries, vanilla, or figs, or a combination of them all together, this salad tastes like summer on a plate! It is also refreshing, satisfying and nourishing. YUM.

You can eat this salad as is or with some greek yogurt chicken salad, grilled chicken, or baked tomato salmon for added protein. We were inspired to make this salad with figs and berries after trying a similar one at the Nordstrom Cafe a while ago.

Why this recipe is great

• It comes together easily and quickly, in less than 10 minutes!
• It is simple to customize.
• The vanilla vinaigrette is satisfying and compliments the strawberries and raspberries so well.
• It can be a side salad or main meal.

Recipe ingredients

• Mixed greens– any type of mixed greens works for this recipe.
• Raspberries and strawberries– make sure they are fresh and ripe.
• Sliced almonds– these add a nice nutty taste and crunch.
• Pumpkin seeds– these also add nice crunch.
• Dried Figs– dried figs add more sweetness than fresh figs but feel free to use either one.
• Goat cheese– you can buy it crumbled up or crumble it up yourself.
• Olive oil– use a good quality olive oil to make the dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar– this is a great vinegar to use but you can use any vinegar of your choice.
• Vanilla extract– this is what flavors the dressing and the overall salad.
• Honey– this adds a hint of sweetness to the dressing.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Additions/ Substitutions

• You can use only strawberries or only raspberries in this salad if you prefer. This strawberry feta salad looks like a fun strawberry only salad.
• Instead of sliced almonds, you can use another nut like pistachios or walnuts.
• Instead of pumpkin seeds, you can use pine nuts.
• Instead of goat cheese, you can use feta cheese.
• Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup.

Step by step instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Add the mixed greens, berries, almonds, and pumpkin seeds to a large bowl.

Step 2

Step 2: Make the vanilla vinaigrette. Mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, vanilla, salt and pepper together.

Step 3

Step 3: Add the dressing to the salad and mix.

Step 4

Step 4: Serve the salad on plates. Add the figs and goat cheese on top of each individual plate.

Expert tips

• To make this recipe Paleo, omit the goat cheese.
• To make this recipe Dairy-free, omit the goat cheese.
• To make this recipe Vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and omit the goat cheese.
• To store: store in an airtight container for 2 days.
• To make in advance, put all the ingredients together but do not add the dressing. Store in a the fridge until ready to serve and then add the dressing.