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strawberry goat cheese arugula salad

Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad

A vibrant and surprisingly simple Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad recipe, perfect for a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or a delightful side dish that brings a burst of fresh flavors and textures to any meal. This recipe is incredibly useful for those seeking a quick, healthy, and impressive salad that can be prepared in minutes.
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Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz fresh arugula
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 4 oz goat cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion optional, for a sharper bite
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For the Balsamic Vinaigrette

Equipment

  • Small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid
  • Salad Tongs
  • Large Salad Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified and thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
    1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  2. Gently wash and thoroughly dry the fresh arugula. Place the dried arugula in a large salad bowl. If using, add the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the arugula.
    10 oz fresh arugula, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  3. Carefully scatter the sliced fresh strawberries over the bed of arugula. Crumble the goat cheese over the strawberries and arugula. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans evenly across the salad.
    1 pint fresh strawberries, 4 oz goat cheese, 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  4. Just before serving, drizzle about half of the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or your hands, ensuring that all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. Add more dressing as needed, to your preference, being careful not to overdress the salad, which can make the arugula wilt.
  5. Serve the strawberry goat cheese arugula salad immediately to enjoy its optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Store undressed components separately in airtight containers. Dressed salad will not keep well.