Goat Cheese And Arugula: A Match Made In Heaven

Arugula and goat's cheese is a classic salad combination, but what type of goat's cheese should you use? Soft goat's cheese, or chèvre, is the best option for a creamy richness in every bite. However, pre-packaged goat's cheese crumbles can also be used. Goat's cheese is a healthier alternative to cow's cheese, with more vitamins and minerals, slightly fewer calories, and it's easier to digest.

When making an arugula and goat's cheese salad, you can add fruits like apples, pears, or strawberries, and nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. For the dressing, a tangy-sweet vinaigrette made with honey, lemon, and vinegar is a perfect choice.

Goat cheese salad with arugula, apples, pecans and balsamic dressing

A goat cheese salad with arugula, apples, pecans, and balsamic dressing is a symphony of flavour. The crunch of the apples, the creamy goat cheese, and the fluffy arugula are the ideal pair for the tangy-sweet dressing.

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (8 cups) baby arugula (not standard arugula)
• 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (toasted or glazed, if desired)
• 2 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre), crumbled
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 recipe Balsamic Dressing (or Citrus Salad Dressing or Dijon Dressing)

Method:

In a medium bowl, make the dressing. Place the greens on a plate and top with the sliced shallot, apple, pecans, and crumbles of soft goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing and top with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Tips:

• Goat cheese adds a creamy richness to every bite. Soft goat cheese or chevre is best, but you can use pre-packaged crumbles as well.
• Baby arugula is best as standard arugula is much too spicy.
• A crisp red apple is best, but you can also use a Granny Smith.
• A shallot is a milder version of a red onion and completes the flavour.
• You can substitute pecans with any nut of your choice.
• Our favourite vinaigrette for this goat cheese salad is a creamy balsamic dressing, but you can use others too.

Variations:

• You can use different nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
• Make a pear goat cheese salad with sliced pears.
• Use berries instead, like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
• Swap fruit for veggies, like carrots (raw or roasted) or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Use different leafy greens, like baby mixed greens, spinach, or shaved Brussels sprouts.

Enjoy your goat cheese salad with arugula, apples, pecans, and balsamic dressing!

Arugula, goat cheese, strawberries, walnuts and an orange dressing

A fresh and tangy arugula, goat cheese, strawberry, and walnut salad with an orange dressing is a symphony of flavours and textures. The peppery arugula, creamy and tangy goat cheese, sweet and juicy strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and zesty orange dressing create a delightful combination.

For the salad, you will need:

• Fresh arugula
• Goat cheese (soft goat cheese or chevre is best, but pre-packaged crumbles also work)
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Walnuts, chopped
• Optional: shrimp, chicken, salmon, or tofu cubes for added protein

The star of the show, the orange dressing, can be made by whisking together:

• 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• A pinch of garlic powder (or a clove, if you prefer)
• 2 pinches of kosher salt

To prepare the salad, start by washing and slicing the strawberries and arugula. Wash and slice an orange for the dressing. If using whole walnuts, chop them and toast them in a toaster oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes—keep an eye on them to avoid burning. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well blended, and season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the desired amount of dressing. Then, mix in the strawberries and walnuts. Gently toss in the crumbled goat cheese. For an extra touch of colour and flavour, garnish with orange zest.

This salad can be enjoyed as a refreshing side or a satisfying main dish. For a heartier option, top it with shrimp, chicken, or salmon. For a vegetarian option, add tofu cubes or beans such as lima beans or white cannellini beans.

Feel free to experiment with different variations of this salad by swapping in other fruits, vegetables, or nuts. You can also try different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or feta, instead of goat cheese. Enjoy the versatility of this salad and find your perfect combination!

Arugula, goat cheese, grapes, capers and a lemon dressing

For this salad, it is best to use baby arugula as standard arugula can be too spicy. Soft goat cheese, or chevre, is ideal, but pre-packaged crumbles will also work. Red grapes are recommended, but green grapes can be used as a substitute.

To make the lemon dressing, whisk together fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

To assemble the salad, place the arugula in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Divide it among plates, and sprinkle with the grapes, goat cheese, and capers.

This salad can be served as a side or a main dish. For a heartier meal, top it with shrimp, chicken, or salmon. It can also be customised with different fruits, vegetables, nuts, or cheeses.

Arugula, goat cheese, pears, walnuts, red onion and a honey dressing

A salad with arugula, goat cheese, pears, walnuts, red onion, and honey dressing is a symphony of flavours. The peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, tangy red onions, and honey dressing create a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

For the salad, choose soft, unripened goat cheese that comes in a log form. It adds a creamy richness to the salad. Arugula, also known as rocket, has a nutty and peppery taste that pairs well with the other ingredients. Bartlett, D'Anjou, Comice, or Bosc pears are ideal choices, as they have the right balance of sweetness and acidity. Toasted walnuts add a nice crunch, and thinly sliced red onions provide a tangy kick.

The honey dressing can be made by blending honey with lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. This dressing brings all the flavours of the salad together.

To assemble the salad, place the arugula in a large bowl or on a platter. Top it with the pears, walnuts, red onion, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the honey dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours, making it a delightful choice for any meal.

Arugula, goat cheese, beets, oranges, walnuts and a balsamic glaze

Arugula, goat cheese, beets, oranges, walnuts, and a balsamic glaze is a combination made in heaven. This salad is a symphony of flavours and textures, with the peppery arugula, sweet and earthy beets, juicy oranges, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and tangy balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• Arugula
• Goat Cheese (soft or crumbled)
• Beets (fresh or canned)
• Oranges (cutie oranges, navel, cara cara, or blood oranges)
• Walnuts (toasted)
• Balsamic Glaze
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Honey (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

• If using whole beets, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Peel and slice the oranges into rounds or segments.
• Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Layer the arugula, oranges, beets, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese on a serving platter or individual plates.
• Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, and honey (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Enjoy your delicious and nutritious salad!

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and add your own twist. You can try using different types of salad greens, cheeses, or nuts, or add other ingredients like avocado, berries, or chicken to make it a heartier meal.

Frequently asked questions