Heirloom Tomato and Baby Arugula Salad with Smoked Goat Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining sweet heirloom tomatoes, peppery baby arugula, and creamy smoked goat cheese with a citrus vinaigrette. This southern-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors, baby arugula, smoked goat cheese 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 210 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups sliced heirloom tomatoes and 4 cups baby arugula, tossing gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the tomato and arugula mixture and toss lightly until all leaves are evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 4 oz crumbled smoked goat cheese and 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts over the salad just before serving to add creamy and crunchy textures.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as a bright and flavorful starter or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Heirloom Tomato and Baby Arugula Salad with Smoked Goat Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Heirloom Tomato and Baby Arugula Salad with Smoked 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 baby arugula from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Heirloom Tomato and Baby Arugula Salad with Smoked 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 Heirloom Tomato and Baby Arugula Salad with Smoked Goat Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Heirloom Tomato and Baby Arugula Salad with Smoked Goat Cheese vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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