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A light and summery salad full of strawberries, raspberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, figs, goat cheese and a homemade 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, delicious 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. I was inspired to make this salad with figs and berries after trying a similar one at the Nordstrom Cafe a while ago.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe is great
- It comes together easily and quickly, in less than 10 minutes!
- It is easy to customize.
- The vanilla vinaigrette is delicious 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: Add the mixed greens, berries, almonds, and pumpkin seeds to a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the vanilla vinaigrette. Mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, vanilla, salt and pepper together.
Step 3: Add the dressing to the salad and mix.
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.
Other salads you’ll love:
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Berry and Fig Salad with Goat Cheese and Vanilla Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad ingredients:
- 5 ounces mixed greens
- 1/2 cup strawberries, quartered
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 5 dried figs, sliced
- 2.5 ounces crumbled goat cheese, (omit to make the recipe dairy-free and Paleo)
Vanilla vinaigrette ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon honey, or maple syrup
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the mixed greens, strawberries, raspberries, almonds, and pumpkin seeds to a large bowl and mix.
- Then make the vanilla vinaigrette. Mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the vinaigrette onto the mixed greens and mix.
- Serve the salad onto multiple plates.
- Top each salad plate with sliced figs and goat cheese. You can sprinkle a bit more almonds and pumpkin seeds, if you'd like.
Notes
- Serves 4 as a side salad or 2 as a main dish.
- To make this recipe Paleo, omit the goat cheese.
- To make this recipe Vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and omit the goat cheese.
- To make this recipe Dairy-free, 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Oh my gosh, this look wonderful!! That vinaigrette is calling my name! So many beautiful flavours and colours in one salad; I need to make this!
The vanilla in the vinaigrette is perfection!
This looks so, so good! I love the idea of adding figs to a salad! I’ve been on a super health-craze lately where I’ve pretty much only been eating salads so I’m going to definitely try this.
Perfect timing! This salad is perfect if you are looking to be healthy 🙂 Let me know how you like it!
Looks something you would find on masterchef!! Looks really beautiful and tasty.
Thank you!
I just recently got into fig and I really love it. I sometimes replace it with jelly.
I’ve always found it strange mixing salad with fruits but after I tried it ones I loved it! Your photos make it even more delicious! Great recipe! I am gonna have to try it! 🙂
Yes do try it! Salad and fruit goes so well together!
Wow! This might be the prettiest salad I’ve ever seen! 🙂 It sounds absolutely delicious, and I can’t wait to try it! Thanks!
Thanks Samantha!
I would never have thought to add berries to a fig based salad, this is such a great idea. It looks delicious and easy to prepare, thank you for sharing the recipe!
You are welcome!! The combo is so refreshing and yummy 🙂
I love berries in salad – the fig is a nice touch. very fresh looking!
Wow, it looks delicious. I’ve never tried vanilla in salad too but I might give this a go. It’s nice to not have meat in salad but still enjoy it!
You should try adding vanilla to dressing… it’s my new favorite thing!
Stunning salad and so colourful who wouldn’t love this salad.