This summer Strawberry Butter Lettuce Salad has fresh strawberries, crunchy candied almonds, and tangy goat cheese for the perfect combination of flavors. Top with a strawberry vinaigrette and you will have your go-to summer salad!
One of my favorite times of year is the beginning of summer when strawberry season is in full swing. I always go a little crazy at the strawberry farm and find myself making strawberry everything, including this Strawberry Butter Lettuce Salad.
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Why I Love This Recipe
This salad has the perfect combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy to satisfy anyone. You could serve this as a light meal or increase the portions for the perfect summer salad for a gathering.
If you are looking for more strawberry recipes, check out my Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake, Air Fryer Strawberry Turnovers, Instant Pot Strawberry Cheesecake, or Dehydrated Strawberries.
And, if you want more delicious salad recipes, check out this collection of 30 Simple Salad Recipes at eightyrecipes.com!
Key Ingredients For This Recipe
- Lettuce- I used butter lettuce for this salad because I love the flavor and texture of butter lettuce and it works well with all of the bold flavors going into this salad. I also love the way butter lettuce can be presented in the bowl.
- Strawberries- You will need fresh strawberries that are just slightly firm for easier slicing so that they hold up when mixing in the salad. If the strawberries are too soft they will break up too much.
- Nuts- I found some honey-roasted sliced almonds at the grocery store and they were the perfect sweet addition to this salad. You could also toast or slice your own, but I'm all about ease and convenience. If you prefer almonds that are not sweetened, they would be delicious too.
- Cheese- Crumbled goat cheese was my first choice for this salad because of its strong tangy flavor and the texture is always perfect for salads. I used a crumbled goat cheese which seems to work better than the log form which tends to be softer.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Other Flavor Combinations for this Strawberry Salad
One of the great things about salads is you can substitute and add anything you like. For the lettuce spinach or mixed greens are a good substitution since they are still soft and mild in flavor.
Walnuts or pecans are also delicious in salads. If you don't like goat cheese, you could also use feta or blue cheese.
Which Salad Dressing to Use for this Recipe
I recommend a sweet and tangy dressing like my Strawberry Shrub Vinaigrette or a balsamic vinaigrette for this salad. I wouldn't recommend a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese unless you omit the goat cheese. Of course, you can use any salad dressing you like.
Expert Tips
- If you are making a large quantity of this salad, I would recommend storing it without the dressing to prevent the topping from getting soggy.
- Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for 1-2 days.
If you get a chance to make this Strawberry Butter Lettuce Salad, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Strawberry Butter Lettuce Salad
Equipment
- medium bowl
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium strawberries, thinly sliced
- ½ head butter lettuce, rinsed and dried
- 2 tablespoon candied almonds
- 2 tablespoon crumbled goat cheese
- strawberry shrub vinigrette (or balsamic vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Rinse, dry, and hull the strawberries. Cut each one into thin slices and set aside.
- Rinse and dry the butter lettuce and cut off the core at the bottom to create separate leaves. Arrange the leave around the bottom of the bowl in 3-4 layers starting largest to smallest. Place the strawberries on top of the lettuce.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and candied almonds on top. Add your favorite salad dressing and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition values for salad only, no dressing.
- If you are making for a crowd, I would recommend serving without the dressing. This way you can store the leftovers covered in the fridge. If the salad had dressing on it, it will get soggy.
- Substitutions include spinach or mixed greens, walnuts or pecans, and feta or blue cheese.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Jeannie says
strawberry salad, sounds like very refreshing to try! perfect timing since its strawberry season. I need to make for myself
Emily says
I can never get enough strawberries, especially this time of year. I hope you get a chance to try this salad soon.
Brianna says
Love the combo of strawberries and candied almonds!
Emily says
A match made in heaven 😂
Jamie says
The strawberries and almonds are such a great addition!
veenaazmanov says
Nutty, Fruity, Cheesy and healthy greens. I love this salad platter. Perfect for a party or festive table too.
Emily says
Yes, yes, and yes!!! 😁
Alejandra says
I loooooove salads with goat cheese, but have never tried with strawberry and almonds—- but this combo sounds SO good. I’m going to add this to my weekly meals to make with the fresh strawberries I have sitting in my fridge!!
Emily says
You are going to love this combination, enjoy!
Laura says
We made this for dinner last night and loved it, so great not to make the kitchen hot.
Emily says
So glad to hear it!
Marlynn says
Such a wonderful summer salad! Love the crunch of the almonds with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Emily says
Thanks, Marylynn!
Lisa Kerhin says
What a delicious salad! I love using butter lettuce in salads.
Emily says
Thanks! I agree, I think it gets passed up sometimes but it really is delicious.
Jill says
Gorgeous salad and that strawberry shrub vinaigrette is divine!
Emily says
Thanks, Jill, I’m glad you liked the dressing too!
Liz says
These are my favorite kinds of salad and this one doesn't disappoint!
Emily says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Angela says
Wonderful fresh salad that is perfect for summer!
Erin Gierhart says
The textures and flavors of this salad are perfect for summer!
Emily says
There is nothing better than a delicious salad on a hot summer day!
LIllian says
This looks so lovely, can't wait to try it!
Emily says
Thanks, Lillian! You are going to love it!