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Fresh Arugula Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese

fresh arugula salad with strawberries and goat cheese - featured image
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A quick and easy salad combining peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and toasted nuts, tossed in a bright homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups (150 g) fresh arugula leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 pint (about 300 g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 4 ounces (115 g) goat cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup (60 g) toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the strawberries under cold water, hull them by cutting off the green tops, and slice them thinly. Thinly slice the red onion if using. Set aside. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Place the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool. (5 minutes)
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened. (3 minutes)
  4. Rinse and dry the arugula leaves thoroughly to keep them crisp. (5 minutes)
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, sliced strawberries, thin red onion, and toasted nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the top. (2 minutes)
  6. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss the salad gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid overmixing to keep strawberries intact. (1 minute)
  7. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the salad. Toss gently once more or serve with cheese on top for presentation. (1 minute)
  8. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

Toast nuts to enhance flavor and crunch. Dry arugula thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Slice strawberries thick enough to hold shape but thin enough to mingle well. Whisk dressing vigorously for a smooth emulsion. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising berries or crumbling cheese. For make-ahead, keep dressing separate and add just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: arugula salad, strawberry salad, goat cheese salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad, summer salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/fresh-arugula-salad-with-strawberries-and-goat-cheese-recipe-easy-and-delicious-to-make/