Krolls Korner - 1 Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (with Goat Cheese Croutons) - 2

My Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is a Spring and Summer must-make and I mean, look at how gorgeous it is!

We are now at the best time of the year to enjoy the sweet and juicy natural flavors of fresh strawberries, and I am so excited!

But this isn’t any old salad that you dump out of a bag. And also no judgement towards store-bought salads because I 100% believe they have their time and place! But, I love making a good homemade salad that’s full of fresh ingredients and a homemade salad dressing.

Some other reader-favorite salads: Tabbouleh Salad , 4 Bean Salad with Avocado , Healthy Broccoli Salad , Massaged Kale Blueberry Salad

The finished strawberry poppyseed salad topped with golden, pan-fried goat cheese medallions, ready to serve in a white bowl with vintage-style utensils. - 3 blogger tawnie graham in a kitchen with an instant pot and several dishes of food - 4

Table Talk with Tawnie

This chopped salad utilizes crispy romaine, peppery arugula, and fresh, fragrant basil. And not just a teaspoon of basil, but a large handful of basil! The lettuce cradles the sweet strawberries as they gently spar with the assertive and spicy flavors of the red onions. Why is that strawberry and red onion combination so heavenly?! There are so many layers of flavors and textures to this salad that make it anything but ordinary!

The other fun flavor and texture surprise is the fried goat cheese croutons. When I say I’m obsessed, I mean I am truly obsessed. I love the creamy and crispy combination that the warm goat cheese brings to this vibrant salad.

The final step to finish off these bold Summertime flavors is to dress them with a tangy-sweet homemade poppyseed dressing. It tastes a lot better than any store-bought version, it only requires 7 ingredients, and it only takes minutes to make. The extra creamy dressing and the crisp and creamy fried goat cheese are the winning ingredients that make this salad recipe so special!

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://krollskorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Strawberry-Poppyseed-Salad_HighRes-015-scaled.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Overhead view of a close-up salad plate with two goat cheese medallions, fresh strawberries, and greens, as a spoon pours creamy poppyseed dressing on top.

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This salad is great for lunch, dinner, or brunch, and it travels well for a pack-and-go lunch, too! (Just keep the dressing on the side before you’re ready to dive in). Chicken or fish pairs well with all of these fresh flavors, too, if you want to add some protein!

Why This Recipe Works

  • Flavor-packed!
  • Easy to make
  • The crispy goat cheese makes this a show-stopping salad
  • Add some protein and you have a complete meal for lunch or dinner
  • So colorful, that it makes a beautiful addition to any table.
  • It’s a great go-to salad. You will find your are making it often!

Ingredient Notes

For the ingredient measurements and entire recipe, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the blog post where the recipe card is located.

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://krollskorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Recipe-Name-Ingredients-10.png" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Overhead view of fresh salad ingredients laid out before assembly, including strawberries, arugula, romaine, spinach, red onion, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, mayo, yogurt, milk, vinegar, and sugar.

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  • Romaine: Romaine is refreshing, juicy, and crisp. Be sure to wash and rinse it well, romaine can be very dirty!

  • Arugula: Arugula is peppery, a little spicy, and nutty, and I love how its flavors play in this salad. Feel free to omit or add spinach instead!

  • Basil : I love the surprise taste of fresh basil in this salad. It’s sweet and slightly spicy. Always use fresh.

  • Red onion: I love the strong flavor of fresh, red onions. Dice them small but just thick enough to get a good crunch with every bite.

  • Strawberries : Remove the stem and the hull, then dice the strawberry. Be sure to find fresh, juicy strawberries for the best flavor!

  • Sunflower seeds: I love the subtle crunch they add to this yummy salad.

  • Fried goat cheese: This is one of my favorite ingredients in this salad. The warm, creamy crispness is a stark contrast to the sweet and fresh flavors of the summertime greens and sweet strawberries.

  • Poppyseed Dressing : you’ll need mayonnaise, half and half, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and poppy seeds.

Step-by-Step Directions

Side-by-side image showing the process of making creamy poppyseed dressing: the left side displays a bowl with poppy seeds, mayonnaise, milk, and vinegar before mixing; the right side shows the same ingredients fully whisked into a smooth, speckled dressing. - 7

Whip up the dressing

You only need 7 ingredients to make this creamy dressing! Shake it up in a jar or whisk together in a bowl.

Two images: the left side shows sliced goat cheese medallions on a mint green cutting board next to a paring knife; the right side shows the medallions pan-frying to golden brown in a cast iron skillet. - 8

Fried goat cheese!

This salad is extra delicious with lightly fried goat cheese croutons on top. It’s an extra step to make them, but SO worth it!

Overhead view of a large salad bowl filled with fresh chopped strawberries, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, chopped kale, romaine lettuce, and arugula, before tossing or dressing. The same salad bowl now partially dressed with creamy poppyseed dressing drizzled over the strawberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and leafy greens, before mixing. - 9

Assemble the goodies!

Add everything to a large salad bowl. Doesn’t this just scream summer?! YUM!

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (with Goat Cheese Croutons) - 10

Serve and DEVOUR! 😍

Add the goat cheese on top and enjoy.your.life!

Expert Tips and Variations

One of my favorite things about salads is that you can always come up with tons of variations because salads are just so accommodating!

  • To make this salad a full meal, try topping it off with some chicken. A quick option would be to pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, or if you have chicken breasts, you could pop them in a skillet or even on the BBQ while you are putting the salad together.
  • You can also use other greens in this salad. I love the crispness of the romaine, but you can also substitute spinach, kale, Spring mix, butter leaf lettuce, etc.
  • Use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce completely. If you don’t have one, lay paper towels or dish towels over a baking sheet and lay out a single layer of the romaine leaves so they dry.
  • To thoroughly coat the salad greens with the delicious dressing, I like to pour a little bit at a time, toss, pour, and toss again. I also like to save some dressing to serve alongside, in case someone wants more.
  • Serve the goat cheese warm for the best creamy texture in each bite. If you don’t want to fuss with making fried goat cheese, you can crumble the goat cheese over the top.
  • If the goat cheese isn’t your thing, add feta cheese, mini mozzarella balls, or gorgonzola.
  • Instead of sunflower seeds, try walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, or toasted pecans.

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://krollskorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Strawberry-Poppyseed-Salad_HighRes-009-scaled.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Close-up of the strawberry salad topped with five crispy goat cheese medallions, garnished with thyme and surrounded by dressed greens, strawberries, and seeds.

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<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://krollskorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Strawberry-Poppyseed-Salad_HighRes-013-scaled.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Plated servings of strawberry poppyseed salad on small white plates, each topped with crispy goat cheese rounds and surrounded by bowls of dressing and sunflower seeds.

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What’s your fave fruit to add to salads?

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Image of Salad Spinner - 13

Salad Spinner

Image of My favorite cutting board - 14

My favorite cutting board

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

📸 Photos by Megan McKeehan of The Broke Girl Table

This recipe post was originally published in April 2023, and was updated in June 2025 with new photos (same recipe).

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (with Goat Cheese Croutons) - 15

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Goat Cheese Croutons

Ingredients

  • fried goat cheese

For the salad

  • 6-8 cups romaine, washed and chopped
  • 2 cups arugula, washed and chopped
  • 1 large bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped or torn
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 16 oz. fresh strawberries, diced
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

For the dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp. half and half
  • 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
  • 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste
Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (with Goat Cheese Croutons) - 16

Instructions

  • Make the dressing : In a small mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients—mayo, half and half, sugar, sour cream, poppy seeds, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper—until well combined. (Or, you can shake the ingredients together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid). Set in the fridge. 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 Tbsp. half and half, 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp. sour cream, 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds, 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper to taste
  • Prepare the goat cheese: Use this blog post for guidance. fried goat cheese
  • Assemble the salad: Add the romaine lettuce, arugula, basil, onion, strawberries, and sunflower seeds in a large salad bowl. Add a drizzle of the dressing and toss. 6-8 cups romaine, washed and chopped, 2 cups arugula, washed and chopped, 1 large bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped or torn, 1 small red onion, diced, 16 oz. fresh strawberries, diced, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • Top with the goat cheese: Then add the warm fried goat cheese “croutons” on top.
  • Serve: Serve with more poppy seed dressing and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • If you don’t plan to enjoy the salad right away, keep the dressing on the salad. Only dress the salad right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • Refrigerate any leftover salad dressing in a jar for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake again prior to using.
  • I like using avocado oil for frying the goat cheese thanks to the high smoke point but vegetable or canola oil works well, too.
  • Prep the goat cheese log in advance! Freeze the goat cheese log the day before and then place in the fridge the next day so it’s not rock solid. When you’re ready to make the salad, you’ll just now have to dredge and fry the medallions without waiting for the goat cheese to harden!