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Fresh Arugula Salad with Sweet Strawberries and Goat Cheese

fresh arugula salad - featured image

A quick and easy summer salad combining peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts with a honey-balsamic dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly darker. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Rinse the arugula leaves gently under cold water and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels.
  3. Hull the strawberries by cutting off the green tops, then slice them thinly and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and lemon juice (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Place the arugula in a large salad bowl, add the sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens or berries.
  7. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to avoid sogginess. Toast walnuts carefully to prevent burning. Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead. For dairy-free option, substitute goat cheese with avocado or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: arugula salad, strawberry salad, goat cheese salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, fresh salad