A light, summery salad bursting with strawberries, raspberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, figs, goat cheese and a homemade vanilla vinaigrette.
This vibrant salad brings together the bright flavors of fresh berries, the sweetness of figs and a delicate vanilla vinaigrette. It’s refreshing, nourishing and perfect for warm weather. Serve it as a side or add grilled chicken or canned chicken salad for extra protein.
I first tasted a similar combination at a café and adapted it to include dried figs, crunchy seeds and tangy goat cheese. The vanilla in the dressing ties the berries and cheese together beautifully.
Table of Contents
- Why this recipe is great
- Recipe ingredients
- Additions/ Substitutions
- Step by step instructions
- Expert tips
- Other salads you’ll love:
- Berry and Fig Salad with Goat Cheese and Vanilla Vinaigrette Recipe
Why this recipe is great
- Ready in minutes—this salad comes together in under 15 minutes.
- Highly customizable to your taste or dietary needs.
- The vanilla vinaigrette is subtle and complements the berries and goat cheese.
- Works as a light main dish or an elegant side salad.
Recipe ingredients
- Mixed greens – any salad greens you enjoy.
- Fresh strawberries and raspberries – ripe for the best flavor.
- Sliced almonds – for a toasted, nutty crunch.
- Pumpkin seeds – add extra texture and nuttiness.
- Dried or fresh figs – dried figs bring more sweetness; either works.
- Goat cheese – crumbled, for a tangy creaminess.
- Olive oil – good-quality olive oil for the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar – or another vinegar you prefer.
- Vanilla extract – the distinctive flavoring for the vinaigrette.
- Honey – or maple syrup to sweeten the dressing.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full instructions.
Additions/ Substitutions
- Use only strawberries or only raspberries if you prefer a single-berry salad.
- Swap sliced almonds for pistachios, walnuts or your favorite nut.
- Pine nuts can replace pumpkin seeds for a milder flavor.
- Substitute feta for goat cheese for a slightly saltier bite.
- Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative to honey.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, strawberries, raspberries, sliced almonds and pumpkin seeds.
Step 2: Whisk the vinaigrette by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the greens and berries.
Step 4: Divide the salad onto plates. Top each portion with sliced figs and crumbled goat cheese. Add extra almonds or pumpkin seeds if desired.
Expert tips
- Paleo: Omit the goat cheese.
- Dairy-free: Skip the goat cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup and omit the goat cheese.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Make ahead: Combine the salad ingredients but store without dressing in the fridge; toss with vinaigrette just before serving.
Other salads you’ll love:
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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
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Add the mixed greens, strawberries, raspberries, almonds, and pumpkin seeds to a large bowl and mix.
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Make the vanilla vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, honey, salt and pepper until combined.
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Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
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Serve the salad on plates.
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Top each plate with sliced figs and crumbled goat cheese. Sprinkle extra nuts or seeds if desired.
Notes
- Serves 4 as a side salad or 2 as a main dish.
- Paleo: omit the goat cheese.
- Vegan: use maple syrup instead of honey and omit the goat cheese.
- Dairy-free: omit the goat cheese.
- Storage: keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Make ahead: combine ingredients but hold the dressing until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.