Summer Berry Arugula Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful arugula salad featuring a fresh berry dressing. This dish showcases the perfect balance of sweetness from ripe strawberries and blueberries, complemented by a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. Creamy goat cheese adds richness, while crunchy jicama and pistachios introduce a satisfying texture. Ideal for warm days or as a light appetizer, this salad is not just refreshing; it’s a feast for the eyes and palate that's sure to impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Strawberries
1 cup (hulled and sliced, divided)
White balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
Canola oil or Pecan oil
1 tablespoon
Honey
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pistachio nuts
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Goat cheese
4 ounces (log, rolled in nuts)
Arugula leaves
4 cups
Blueberries or Raspberries
3/4 cup
Jicama
1/4 cup (cut into matchstick strips)
Instructions
1
To prepare the berry dressing, combine 3/4 cup of sliced strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, canola (or pecan) oil, honey, and a pinch of salt in a blender.
2
Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth, then transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
3
Next, place the chopped pistachio nuts on a piece of wax paper. Roll the log of goat cheese in the nuts until it is well coated and then slice it crosswise into thin rounds.
4
In a large serving dish, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sliced strawberries with the arugula leaves.
5
Top the arugula mixture with the blueberries (or raspberries) and matchstick strips of jicama.
6
Drizzle the chilled berry dressing over the salad, gently mixing to ensure all ingredients are coated.
7
Divide the salad evenly among four plates and top with the slices of goat cheese.
8
Serve with extra dressing on the side for those who prefer a bit more.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
9.5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Summer Berry Arugula Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese?
It is a vibrant summer salad featuring arugula, fresh berries, jicama, and a homemade strawberry balsamic dressing, topped with pistachio-crusted goat cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are 100 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.
What ingredients are needed for the berry dressing?
The dressing is made from 3/4 cup of sliced strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, canola or pecan oil, honey, and a pinch of salt.
How do I prepare the goat cheese for this salad?
Roll a log of goat cheese in chopped pistachio nuts until coated, then slice it crosswise into thin rounds.
What type of greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of arugula leaves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What can I use as a substitute for blueberries?
You can use raspberries as an alternative to blueberries.
How is the jicama prepared for the salad?
The jicama should be peeled and cut into matchstick-sized strips.
What kind of oil is best for the dressing?
Canola oil or pecan oil is recommended for the berry dressing.
Is there a specific way to blend the dressing?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the instructions recommend refrigerating the dressing until you are ready to use it.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains 6.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 9.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 3 grams of protein.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped pistachio nuts to coat the goat cheese.
What type of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
White balsamic vinegar is used to provide a tangy flavor to the dressing.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While goat cheese is recommended for its creaminess, you could experiment with feta or a mild blue cheese if preferred.
How many strawberries are needed in total?
You will need 1 cup of strawberries: 3/4 cup for the dressing and 1/4 cup for the salad itself.
What is the preparation time for the jicama?
Preparation involves cutting 1/4 cup of jicama into matchstick strips, which takes only a few minutes.
Should the dressing be served warm or cold?
The dressing should be chilled in the refrigerator before being drizzled over the salad.
Is this salad considered a light meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal light appetizer or a refreshing dish for warm days.
What texture does the jicama add to the salad?
The jicama introduces a satisfying, crunchy texture to the dish.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
While the recipe calls for honey, you could likely substitute agave nectar or maple syrup.
How should I serve the salad for a group?
Divide the salad evenly among four plates and top each with slices of the nut-coated goat cheese.
What makes the goat cheese 'creamy' in this recipe?
The recipe utilizes a log of goat cheese which is naturally soft and creamy, contrasted by the crunchy pistachio coating.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (arugula, berries, cheese, nuts, honey, oil, and vinegar), the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add more dressing if I like?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving extra dressing on the side for those who prefer more.
What are the primary flavors of this salad?
The salad balances the sweetness of ripe berries, the tang of white balsamic, the richness of goat cheese, and the peppery notes of arugula.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.