Chocolate Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Description
Fresh strawberries, tender greens, creamy goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a silky Chocolate Dark Balsamic vinaigrette come together in an elegant salad that is bright, balanced, and simple enough for lunch or entertaining.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette
3 tablespoons Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Chocolate Dark Balsamic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Salad
5 cups mixed greens, spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula
1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
⅓ cup toasted walnuts
¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced, optional
Instructions
• In a small bowl, whisk together Chocolate Dark Balsamic, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Slowly drizzle in the Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil while whisking until the vinaigrette is lightly emulsified.
• Arrange the mixed greens in a large serving bowl or shallow platter.
• Top with sliced strawberries, goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and red onion if using.
• Drizzle with just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat the salad.
• Toss gently right before serving so the greens stay fresh and the strawberries keep their shape.
• Finish with a light drizzle of Chocolate Dark Balsamic if desired and serve immediately.
Chef’s Tip
Toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad. Their warm, nutty flavor works beautifully with fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and the richer finish of Chocolate Dark Balsamic.
Flavor Variations
• Raspberry Dark Balsamic gives the vinaigrette a deeper berry-forward finish.
• Strawberry White Balsamic creates a lighter, fruitier salad with softer acidity.
• Blackberry Dark Balsamic adds rich berry depth that pairs well with goat cheese.
• Replace goat cheese with feta for a brighter, saltier flavor.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
Pairings
Serve with grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, roasted salmon, warm artisan bread, or a light pasta dish. Complements Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, dry Rosé, or sparkling water with lemon.
Build Your Plate
Turn this recipe into a complete meal
Use this as a fresh salad framework: start with strawberries and greens, add protein or a side, then finish with the balsamic and olive oil pairing.
Finished Meal
Chocolate Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Protein
Grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, roasted salmon, or sliced steak
Vegetables & Sides
Mixed greens, strawberries, warm artisan bread, roasted asparagus, grilled vegetables, or chilled pasta salad
Flavor Pairing
Chocolate Dark Balsamic with Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Recipe Notes
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. If preparing ahead, store the vinaigrette separately and add it only when ready to serve. Finish with an extra light drizzle of Chocolate Dark Balsamic for the brightest presentation and flavor.
