Balsamic-Dressed Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese
Fresh arugula tossed with a tangy balsamic dressing and creamy goat cheese for a light, flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs Arugula, Goat cheese, Balsamic vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Arugula
- 3 oz Goat cheese
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: Place 4 cups arugula in a large bowl. Add 3 oz crumbled goat cheese and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.
- Step 3: Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Balsamic-Dressed Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Balsamic-Dressed Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arugula from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Dressed Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Balsamic-Dressed Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Balsamic-Dressed Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved this simple yet elegant salad. It's become a weekly staple.
- ★★★★★
This salad was a hit at my dinner party! The balsamic dressing was perfect with the goat cheese.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this dish are amazing. I'll definitely make it again.
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