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Fresh Roasted Grape Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

roasted grape arugula salad - featured image

A vibrant summer salad featuring sweet roasted grapes, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish is naturally gluten-free and perfect for entertaining or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 oz fresh arugula (about 5 cups)
  • 2 cups red seedless grapes, washed and stemmed
  • 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped (or pecans/almonds)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for roasting grapes)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt (for roasting grapes)
  • 1/8 tsp fresh cracked black pepper (for roasting grapes)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for vinaigrette)
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste (for vinaigrette)
  • Fresh mint leaves, torn (optional garnish)
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Spread grapes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  3. Roast grapes for 15-18 minutes, until soft, slightly wrinkled, and starting to burst. Rotate pan halfway through for even roasting.
  4. While grapes roast, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss arugula with half the vinaigrette to lightly coat.
  7. Arrange dressed arugula on a serving platter or bowl. Top with warm roasted grapes, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
  8. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette over the salad. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon zest, if desired.
  9. Serve immediately while grapes are warm and arugula is crisp.

Notes

For nut allergies, substitute walnuts with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Feta or ricotta salata can replace goat cheese. To prep ahead, roast grapes and toast nuts in advance, then assemble just before serving. Avoid overdressing arugula to keep it crisp. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted grape salad, arugula salad, goat cheese salad, summer salad, gluten-free salad, easy salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, potluck salad