Description
Summer Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad is a fresh and vibrant salad that combines sweet, juicy strawberries with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and a bright honey-balsamic dressing. This easy and elegant dish is perfect for summer lunches, picnics, brunches, or as a refreshing side for grilled chicken or fish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 oz fresh arugula
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the greens and fruit: Wash and thoroughly dry the arugula and strawberries to ensure the salad stays crisp and fresh.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the salad base: Place the arugula in a large salad bowl as the foundation of the salad.
- Add other ingredients: Top the arugula with the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted pecans to add texture and flavor.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle the honey-balsamic dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate arugula leaves.
- Add cheese and herbs: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top for creamy richness, and add fresh basil leaves if using for a fragrant, herbal note.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the freshness of the arugula and the crunch of the toasted pecans at their peak.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned to enhance their flavor.
- You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for the pecans depending on preference or availability.
- For a tangier twist, replace goat cheese with crumbled feta cheese.
- Add grilled chicken slices to this salad to make it a more substantial main-course meal.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain salad freshness.
- For the best texture and flavor, assemble the salad just before eating to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salads, Side Dishes, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
