Fresh Raspberry Walnut Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Goat Cheese
A fresh and vibrant salad combining sweet raspberries, toasted walnuts, creamy goat cheese, and mixed greens, tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for quick meals, entertaining, and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups mixed baby greens or spring mix
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 4 ounces creamy goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts: Place 3/4 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prep the vegetables: Rinse and dry 5 cups mixed baby greens thoroughly. Thinly slice 1/4 small red onion and pat dry to remove bitterness if desired.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the greens, 1 cup fresh raspberries, the cooled toasted walnuts, and sliced red onion.
- Add goat cheese: Crumble 4 ounces creamy goat cheese evenly over the top.
- Toss gently: Pour the dressing over the salad and use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together, coating the greens without mashing the berries or breaking up the goat cheese too much.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Notes
Toast walnuts slowly over medium heat to avoid burning. Dry greens thoroughly to prevent soggy salad. Whisk dressing well to emulsify. Toss salad gently to keep berries and goat cheese intact. Prepare dressing separately if making ahead to keep greens crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups per s
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 7
Keywords: fresh raspberry walnut salad, goat cheese salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad, summer salad, potluck salad, berry salad