Spinach Salad with Cherries & Goat Cheese
A vibrant salad that balances sweet, tart, and savory in every bite. Fresh baby spinach leaves are tossed with juicy cherries, creamy goat cheese crumbles, and crunchy toasted almonds, then dressed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. It comes together in 15 minutes and works equally well as a light lunch or an elegant side.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Toast the almonds.
1.Place a small skillet over medium heat.2.Add sliced almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently.3.Remove from heat when golden and fragrant, then set aside to cool.TIPWatch the almonds closely — they go from golden to burnt in seconds. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the salad.
1.Place baby spinach in a large salad bowl.2.Scatter halved cherries over the spinach.3.Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently to coat.4.Crumble goat cheese on top and sprinkle with toasted almonds.5.Finish with an extra crack of black pepper if desired.TIPDress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh. - serve
Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking often, until golden and fragrant — this takes only 2-3 minutes.
- 2Dry the spinach thoroughly after washing; excess water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy.
- 3For the best texture, use cherries at peak ripeness — they should be firm but yield slightly to pressure.
- 4Crumble the goat cheese cold, then let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before adding to the salad for a creamier texture.
- 5Make the vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge; whisk again before using to re-emulsify.
- 6If making ahead, keep dressing, almonds, and cheese separate, and toss only right before serving to prevent wilting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Grilled chicken
Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a protein boost, turning this salad into a complete meal.
veganVegan
Replace goat cheese with a vegan cashew-based cheese or simply omit, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
low carbLow-carb
Swap the cherries for unsweetened dried cranberries (in moderation) and reduce the honey to a drop to lower the sugar content.
nut freeNut-free
Substitute toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds for the almonds to maintain crunch without allergens.
stone fruit swapStone fruit swap
When cherries are out of season, use ripe peaches or nectarines — slice them thinly and add a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Baby spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Antioxidant-Rich Cherries
Cherries are packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Healthy Fats from Almonds
Almonds provide monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which are beneficial for skin health and cardiovascular function.
Probiotic Potential from Goat Cheese
Goat cheese contains beneficial bacteria and is often easier to digest than cow's milk cheese for some people.
Low-Calorie Base
This salad is naturally low in calories per serving, making it a light yet satisfying choice for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh cherries are best for texture, but thawed frozen cherries (drained well) can work. Avoid jarred cherries in syrup, as they are too sweet and soft.
