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    Bites with Bri » Side Dish » Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula

    Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula

    Published: Jul 20, 2022 · Modified: Jan 9, 2023 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula is hearty and full of different textures & flavors. It only takes about 30 minutes to make and can be served as a main or side dish. You can swap the homemade dressing with store-bought to make it even simpler.

    Goat cheese salad in white bowl.

    Arugula goat cheese salad is my favorite “fancy” salad recipe. It is restaurant quality, but super easy to pull together. 

    If you are looking for an easier salad recipe, try my Chick-fil-A inspired Kale Crunch Salad Recipe, Panera Copycat Greek Salad, or Easy Caesar Salad Recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to Make Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula
    • Recipe Serving Suggestions
    • Expert Tips & Variations
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Side Dish Recipes
    • Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • This arugula and goat cheese salad is perfect for both the summer and winter with just one easy swap. 
    • This recipe is super versatile. Swap the toppings or veggies for what you have on hand. You can also use store-bought dressing or croutons. 
    • This salad is packed with flavor. Salty bacon, tangy & creamy goat cheese, sweet strawberries, and savory garlic butter croutons come together for the perfect bite.
    • The honey balsamic dressing only requires a few pantry staples and is very easy to make. 
    • This goat cheese salad recipe can be served as a side or main dish because it is so hearty.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Ingredients needed to make arugula goat cheese salad.
    • Croutons: Swap for store-bought.
    • Bread: I recommend baguette, sourdough, or any white French loaf. Use whatever you have on hand. 
    • Balsamic Vinaigrette: Swap for store-bought. 
    • Bacon: Substitute for pancetta or prosciutto. You can also omit the meat for a vegetarian salad. 
    • Goat Cheese: There are many varieties of goat cheese. It comes crumbled and in whole logs. It also comes in different flavors. I recommend plain or honey flavored and a whole log, instead of crumbles. The logs are creamier. You can also use feta or blue cheese. 
    • Arugula: Substitute for spring mix, spinach, or chopped romaine. 
    • Strawberries: If strawberries are not in season, use sliced honeycrisp apples instead. 
    • Candied Pecans: I buy the pecans already candied. Make your own or use salted and roasted pecans instead. You can also use walnuts or almonds. Toast raw nuts to add some flavor if you do not have roasted.

    Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

    How to Make Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula

    Quick Overview

    • Make the croutons.
    • Make the dressing. 
    • Fry the bacon & crumble.
    • Crumble the goat cheese.
    • Assemble the salad with all of the toppings.

    Step by Step Instructions

    A 4 photo collage showing how to make homemade croutons.

    The croutons should be golden brown.

    Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a medium skillet over medium low heat, melt the butter and garlic.

    Step 2: Turn the heat off. Add the bread to the skillet and toss so the bread is coated in the melted butter and it is completely absorbed.

    Step 3: Place the bread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.

    Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through. Set aside to cool.

    A 4 photo collage showing how to make the balsamic dressing.

    The dressing should thicken and become creamy.

    Step 5: In a small single cup blender or food processor, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. The dressing should be thick and creamy. Set aside.

    Step 6: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium low heat until browned. Place on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, tear into large pieces. Set aside.

    Step 7: Use a fork to crumble the log of goat cheese into large pieces.

    Step 8: Assemble the salad. You can toss the arugula in dressing first and top with all of the goodies or you can just drizzle the dressing on top.

    Recipe Serving Suggestions

    This salad is the perfect side dish to these mains:

    • Bavette Steaks
    • Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
    • Creamy Bolognese with Spaghetti

    Expert Tips & Variations

    • Dice the onion finely. Since the onion is raw, it can be quite pungent if not cut into small pieces. 
    • Make the croutons & dressing from scratch. While this salad is still delicious with store-bought ingredients, taking the time to make these components homemade makes a huge difference. 
    • Use a small blender or food processor. This force helps the honey and mustard emulsify the vinaigrette. You can also whisk it vigorously or shake it in a jar. 
    • Do not assemble until right before serving. All of the components can be prepared the day before. Store them separately in the fridge until serving time.
    Goat cheese salad with arugula in a white bowl.

    Recipe FAQs

    What flavors go well with arugula?

    Arugula is peppery flavored green. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, like nuts, cheese, olives, vinegar, oil, fruit, bread, tomatoes, lemon, and so much more.

    Is arugula a lettuce?

    Arugula is not a lettuce. It is a leafy green that is more similar to broccoli or cauliflower. 

    What's the best cheese for a salad?

    For salads, I like to use a pungent cheese to add some flavor to the greens, like goat, manchego, parmesan, blue, or feta cheese. 

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Spicy Cucumber Salad
    • What To Serve With Chicken Fried Steak - Best 20 Sides
    • Lebanese Potato Salad
    • Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions

    If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and/or comment! I always appreciate your feedback. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram.

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    5 from 2 votes

    Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula

    This Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula is hearty and full of different textures & flavors. It only takes about 30 minutes to make and can be served as a main or side dish. You can swap the homemade dressing with store-bought to make it even simpler.
    Servings10 people
    Prep15 minutes
    Cook15 minutes
    Total30 minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Brianna May

    Equipment:

    • Mixing Bowls

    Ingredients:

    Garlic Butter Croutons*

    • 2 Tablespoons salted butter
    • 1 clove garlic, pressed
    • 2 cups ¾ inch stale bread pieces, about 3 ounces*

    Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette*

    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 1 Tablespoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 clove garlic, pressed
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

    Salad

    • 6-7 pieces bacon*
    • 5 ounces plain goat cheese (chévre)*
    • 7 ounces arugula*
    • ⅔ cup sliced strawberries*
    • ½ cup candied pecans*
    • ⅓ cup dried sweetened or unsweetened cranberries
    • ⅓ cup diced red onion

    Instructions:

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a medium skillet over medium low heat, melt the butter and garlic.
    • Turn the heat off. Add the bread to the skillet and toss so the bread is coated in the melted butter and it is completely absorbed.
    • Place the bread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through. Set aside to cool.
    • In a small single cup blender or food processor, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. The dressing should be thick and creamy. Set aside.
    • Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium low heat until browned. Place on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, tear into large pieces. Set aside.
    • Use a fork to crumble the log of goat cheese into large pieces.
    • Assemble the salad. You can toss the arugula in dressing first and top with all of the goodies or you can just drizzle the dressing on top.

    Notes:

    • Croutons: Swap for store-bought.
    • Bread: I recommend baguette, sourdough, or any white French loaf. Use whatever you have on hand. 
    • Balsamic Vinaigrette: Swap for store-bought. 
    • Bacon: Substitute for pancetta or prosciutto. You can also omit the meat for a vegetarian salad. 
    • Goat Cheese: There are many varieties of goat cheese. It comes crumbled and in whole logs. It also comes in different flavors. I recommend plain or honey flavored and a whole log, instead of crumbles. The logs are creamier. You can also use feta or blue cheese. 
    • Arugula: Substitute for spring mix, spinach, or chopped romaine. 
    • Strawberries: If strawberries are not in season, use sliced honeycrisp apples instead. 
    • Candied Pecans: I buy the pecans already candied. Make your own or use salted and roasted pecans instead. You can also use walnuts or almonds. Toast raw nuts to add some flavor if you do not have roasted.
    • Use a small blender or food processor. This force helps the honey and mustard emulsify the vinaigrette. You can also whisk it vigorously or shake it in a jar. 

    NUTRITION:

    Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 301mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention or tag @bites.with.bri_ or use the hashtag #biteswithbri
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    Comments

    1. Karen Cary

      July 21, 2022 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      So delicious and refreshing!

      Reply

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    I am a recipe developer, food photographer, blogger. My goal is to teach you how to cook, not just follow my recipes. I love to cook with bold flavors that are still family friendly. My hubs is a picky eater and all of these recipes are approved by him, so I am sure you and your family will love them too. Learn more about Bri >>

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