Name: Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh arugula; 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: pinch of sea salt; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option); 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

A fresh, colorful, and flavorful salad, this Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad is a true celebration of seasonal ingredients. I love how it balances sweet, tangy, and savory elements—perfect for a light lunch, a starter for dinner, or a showstopping addition to a spring or summer gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 cups fresh arugula

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional: pinch of sea salt

For the balsamic honey vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by making the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, I whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

In a large mixing bowl, I toss together the arugula, sliced strawberries, red onion, and half of the goat cheese.

I drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.

I transfer the salad to a serving dish, then sprinkle the remaining goat cheese and toasted nuts on top.

To finish, I crack some fresh black pepper over it and add a pinch of sea salt if I want an extra flavor boost. Serve right away.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes use baby spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula for a milder flavor.

Blue cheese or feta can replace goat cheese if I want a stronger or saltier cheese.

For crunch, I swap in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if I don’t have nuts on hand.

I use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.

Adding grilled chicken or quinoa turns this salad into a more filling main dish.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if I need to store leftovers, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. I store the dressing separately if I’m prepping ahead to prevent the arugula from getting soggy. I don’t recommend reheating, as it’s meant to be served cold.

FAQs

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

If I don’t have goat cheese, I like to use feta, blue cheese, or even a creamy vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance, but I wait to dress the salad until just before serving so it stays fresh and crisp.

How do I toast the nuts?

I toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and slightly golden.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I don’t recommend frozen strawberries, as they become mushy when thawed. Fresh strawberries keep the salad vibrant and crisp.

Is this salad vegan?

As written, it’s vegetarian. To make it vegan, I substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy seasonal produce in a simple, beautiful, and flavorful dish. It’s quick to make, easy to adapt, and always a crowd-pleaser—whether I’m having lunch on the patio or bringing it to a picnic.

📖 Recipe:

Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A fresh, colorful, and flavorful salad that combines sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, peppery arugula, and crunchy nuts, all tied together with a tangy balsamic honey vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant starter.