Fresh Strawberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad Recipe with Candied Walnuts
A light and refreshing salad combining peppery arugula, juicy fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts, perfect for spring and summer meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups fresh arugula (about 150 grams)
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 300 grams)
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled or softened
- 3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (about 75 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for candied walnuts)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for candied walnuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the candied walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon (optional). Stir constantly to coat the nuts evenly as the sugar melts and caramelizes, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden. Avoid burning the sugar.
- Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Hull and slice the strawberries into medium-thick slices.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste until emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula and sliced strawberries. Drizzle about half the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat without bruising the strawberries.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the salad and sprinkle the cooled candied walnuts on top. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette if desired, but do not overdress.
- Give the salad a gentle final toss or serve as is. Optionally, garnish with a few whole walnuts or sliced strawberries for presentation.
Notes
Keep candied walnuts separate until just before serving to maintain crunch. Use softer goat cheese varieties for better texture. Avoid overdressing to prevent wilting. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well. For vegan adaptation, replace goat cheese with plant-based cheese and honey with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
Keywords: strawberry salad, goat cheese salad, arugula salad, candied walnuts, spring salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, healthy salad