Strawberry goat cheese arugula salad
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 to 6
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Course
Salad
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Cuisine
Fusion, American, International
Strawberry goat cheese arugula salad
Description
The preparation begins by soaking thinly sliced red onions in lightly salted cold water to reduce their pungency, making them milder in flavor. Arugula leaves are combined with the drained onions and a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt, blended by shaking together for emulsification.
Sliced strawberries bring a juicy sweetness, goat cheese adds creamy tang, and spicy-sweet pecans contribute crunch and depth. The salad is assembled by layering these ingredients over the dressed greens, then tossed immediately at the table to preserve freshness and varied textures.
This salad works well as a light meal or appetizer with its balance of flavors and textures. Variations can include substituting spinach or mixed greens for arugula, or feta cheese in place of goat cheese, adjusting the flavor profile slightly.
Ingredients
- ¼ red onion sliced, medium sized
- 4 arugula leaves loosely packed cups
- 8 oz strawberries sliced (about 1 ½ cups sliced)
- 3 oz goat cheese crumbled
- ½ cup pecans homemade or store-bought, spicy sweet
- 1-2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the red onion slices in cold lightly salted water until ready to use – this will help remove the bitterness.
- Mix the balsamic vinegar with the olive oil and salt. The easiest way to do this is to put them in an airtight container and shake them until the ingredients are blended.
- Strain the onions and mix them with the arugula and the balsamic olive oil dressing.
- Layer the strawberry slices, goat cheese and spicy pecans on top.
- Toss table-side and serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking red onion slices in salted water helps mellow their sharpness for a balanced flavor in the salad.
- Arugula can be replaced with spinach or other salad greens depending on availability or preference.
- Goat cheese may be substituted with feta cheese as an alternative creamy, tangy option.