Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhen the leaves start to change and I crave something fresh yet hearty, this Arugula Goat Cheese Salad comes to mind. Just picturing the vibrant greens, nutty farro, and a zesty honey mustard dressing makes me smile. Not only is this salad a quick prep—ready in under 30 minutes—but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor that’ll satisfy without leaving you feeling heavy. The peppery arugula paired with the creamy goat cheese and crunchy Brussels sprouts creates a delightful balance that is perfect for lunch or as a side for dinner. Imagine a bowl that’s not just beautiful but also adaptable; whether you’re vegetarian or gluten-free, this dish has delicious options for everyone. Curious about how to bring this wholesome salad to your kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why choose this delightful salad? Freshness radiates in every bite, with the peppery arugula dancing alongside creamy goat cheese and crunchy Brussels sprouts. Quick preparation means you can whip it up in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays. Nutritious goodness is packed in, rich in fiber and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal option. Versatile enough to cater to any dietary needs, you can easily adapt it for gluten-free or vegan diets. When it comes to flavor, the creamy honey mustard dressing takes it over the top, ensuring this salad is a crowd-pleaser at any table! Looking for more salad inspiration? Check out our delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad and Broccoli Crunch Salad for vibrant variations! Arugula Goat Cheese Salad Ingredients Let’s gather the wholesome components that make this delightful salad come to life! For the Salad Farro – Adds chewy texture and nutty flavor; for gluten-free, swap for quinoa or buckwheat. Arugula – Provides peppery freshness and volume; use fresh, packed cups for the best flavor. Brussels Sprouts – Adds crunch and subtle sweetness; shredded or shaved works best for easier incorporation. Pecans – Introduces a nutty crunch; can substitute with walnuts or almonds if desired. Goat Cheese – Adds creaminess and tang; feel free to use feta or sharp white cheddar as a substitute. Shredded Rotisserie Chicken – Offers protein; can easily be replaced with chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For the Dressing Fresh Orange Juice – Contributes acidity and sweetness; juice from 1 to 2 oranges works perfectly. Creamy Almond Butter – Provides richness; this unique addition enhances the dressing’s creaminess without dairy. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – A base for the dressing; high-quality oil ensures maximum flavor. Dijon Mustard – Adds sharpness and depth; a variation in brands can affect flavor intensity. Honey – Natural sweetness for balancing flavor; use to suit your taste. Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust according to preferences. Cracked Black Pepper – For seasoning; sprinkle to taste, depending on your heat preference. Now that you have everything you need, are you ready to create this flavorful Arugula Goat Cheese Salad? Let’s begin! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Arugula Goat Cheese Salad Step 1: Cook the Farro In a medium pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add farro and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting it simmer uncovered until tender, about 25 minutes for semi-pearled farro or 30 minutes for whole grain. Drain the farro in a colander and spread it on a baking sheet to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Step 2: Make the Dressing In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 to 2 fresh oranges, creamy almond butter, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined, creating a deliciously creamy honey mustard dressing that will beautifully complement your Arugula Goat Cheese Salad. Step 3: Prepare the Salad In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh arugula, shredded Brussels sprouts, cooled farro, and chopped pecans. Toss gently with a pinch of kosher salt. This vibrant mixture will serve as the base of your salad, ensuring that every bite is filled with peppery freshness and satisfying crunch from the Brussels sprouts. Step 4: Combine and Serve Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Then, fold in crumbled goat cheese and shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying vegetarian alternative. Serve immediately for the freshest experience, delighting in the vibrant flavors of the Arugula Goat Cheese Salad. What to Serve with Arugula Goat Cheese Salad A delightful salad deserves the perfect companions to shine even brighter at your table. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and flavorful, these enhance the protein aspect of your meal while adding a smoky contrast to the salad’s fresh notes. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and crispy edges pair wonderfully, creating a comforting balance with the peppery arugula and creamy cheese. Crispy Baguette Slices: Lightly toasted, they bring a delightful crunch and act as a vessel for any leftover honey mustard dressing. Perfect for those who love a bit of crunch! Light White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc brings zesty notes that complement the honey mustard dressing, making it a refreshing choice for the meal. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing sweetness; the vibrant colors will enhance your table’s appeal and provide a lovely contrast to the salad’s greens. Lemon Sorbet: This light and refreshing dessert cleanses the palate, making it a perfect ending to a vibrant meal. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their subtle sweetness mirrors the dressing in the salad, creating a harmonious connection that elevates each bite. With these pairings, your Arugula Goat Cheese Salad turns into a wonderfully balanced meal that satisfies every craving! Make Ahead Options These Arugula Goat Cheese Salad components can easily be prepped ahead, making your meal planning a breeze! You can cook the farro and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, ensuring it’s ready to toss into your salad without any hassle. The creamy honey mustard dressing can also be made in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness, combine the arugula, Brussels sprouts, and pecans just before serving to prevent wilting and loss of crunch. When ready to enjoy, simply mix the salad with the cold farro and dressing, fold in the goat cheese and protein of your choice, and savor the delicious, time-saving benefits! Storage Tips for Arugula Goat Cheese Salad Fridge: Store any undressed Arugula Goat Cheese Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps retain the ingredients’ freshness and crunch. Dressed Salad: If the salad is already dressed, consume it within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture. The creamy honey mustard dressing can wilt the greens. Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad due to the fresh ingredients. However, you can freeze cooked farro for up to 3 months. Just thaw and mix in fresh components later. Reheating: If you’ve used shredded chicken, toss any leftovers in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm before incorporating back into your salad. Enjoy the layers of flavor in your Arugula Goat Cheese Salad! Arugula Goat Cheese Salad Variations Feel free to make this recipe your own with creative swaps and additions that excite your palate! Gluten-Free: Substitute farro with quinoa or buckwheat for a delightful twist that keeps your salad hearty. Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast instead of goat cheese to maintain that cheesy flavor without the dairy. Add Sweetness: Toss in diced apple or pear for a touch of sweetness that complements the peppery greens beautifully. Nut-Free: Replace the pecans with pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch while accommodating nut allergies. Creamy Twist: Switch almond butter for tahini for a rich, nutty note in the dressing that pairs perfectly with the salad. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to boost heat levels for those who enjoy a little spice. Veggie Power: Mix in roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas for added texture and fiber, making your salad even heartier. Herbal Infusion: Sprinkle fresh herbs like dill or basil for a vibrant aroma and a pop of flavor that brightens up every bite. As you explore these variations, consider other salad ideas like our Mexican Macaroni Salad or a refreshing Watermelon Berry Salad for more inspiration in your kitchen! Expert Tips for Arugula Goat Cheese Salad Chill the Farro: Let the cooked farro cool completely before adding it to the salad. This keeps the arugula crisp and vibrant. Balance Flavors: Always taste the dressing before mixing it into the salad. Adjust the orange juice and honey to ensure the perfect sweetness and acidity balance. Add Texture: For an extra crunch, consider toasting the pecans or whatever nuts you choose. This enhances the nutty notes in the Arugula Goat Cheese Salad. Make-Ahead Magic: If prepping in advance, store the salad components separately and dress just before serving to maintain freshness. Experiment with Greens: While arugula is delightful, try swapping it for kale or spinach for a different flavor profile and texture in your salad. Multipurpose Dressing: Double the honey mustard dressing; it’s perfect drizzled over other salads or as a dip for veggies! Arugula Goat Cheese Salad Recipe FAQs What should I look for when choosing arugula? Absolutely! For the freshest flavor in your Arugula Goat Cheese Salad, choose arugula that is vibrant and crisp, avoiding any wilted or yellowed leaves. The best arugula should have a deep green color and a peppery aroma. If it has dark spots or wilting, it’s best to leave it behind! How long can I store the salad? If stored undressed in an airtight container, the Arugula Goat Cheese Salad can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best flavor and texture, consume it within 24 hours if dressed. The creamy honey mustard dressing may cause the greens to wilt if left too long. Can I freeze any components of the salad? Very! While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the finished salad due to the fresh ingredients, you can absolutely freeze the cooked farro! Just place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before mixing in fresh veggies and dressing. What if my goat cheese is too crumbly? No worries! If your goat cheese is overly crumbly and difficult to incorporate smoothly, you can crumble it into smaller bits and slightly warm it in your hands. This makes it easier to combine with the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can mix it into the dressing to create a creamy consistency throughout the salad. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Absolutely! This Arugula Goat Cheese Salad is very versatile. If you’re preparing it for someone with dietary restrictions, substitute goat cheese with feta or sharp cheddar for those who are not dairy-sensitive. To make it fully vegan, simply omit the cheese or use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy. Always be mindful of nuts for those with allergies—choose seeds instead if necessary! How can I make the salad more filling? Very! To enhance the heartiness of your Arugula Goat Cheese Salad, consider adding more protein sources like chickpeas or a blend of quinoa. They not only bulk up the salad but also add extra texture and flavor. For meal prep, you can even include grilled chicken or salmon to make it a complete meal bursting with nutrients. Delicious Arugula Goat Cheese Salad For A Fresh Weekday Boost This Arugula Goat Cheese Salad is a quick, fresh, and nutritious choice for busy weekdays, packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad1 cup Farro Can substitute with quinoa or buckwheat for gluten-free option.4 cups Arugula Use fresh, packed cups for best flavor.1 cup Brussels Sprouts Shredded or shaved for easier incorporation.1/2 cup Pecans Substitute with walnuts or almonds if desired.4 oz Goat Cheese Can use feta or sharp white cheddar as a substitute.1 cup Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Can replace with chickpeas for vegetarian option.For the Dressing1 cup Fresh Orange Juice Juice from 1 to 2 oranges.1 tbsp Creamy Almond Butter Enhances creaminess without dairy.1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Use high-quality for maximum flavor.1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Flavor intensity may vary by brand.2 tbsp Honey Adjust to taste.1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust according to preferences.1/4 tsp Cracked Black Pepper Sprinkle to taste. Equipment PotColandermixing bowlWhiskbaking sheet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add farro and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting it simmer uncovered until tender, about 25 minutes for semi-pearled farro or 30 minutes for whole grain. Drain the farro in a colander and spread it on a baking sheet to cool.In a small mixing bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, creamy almond butter, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until smooth.In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh arugula, shredded Brussels sprouts, cooled farro, and chopped pecans. Toss gently with a pinch of kosher salt.Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently. Fold in crumbled goat cheese and shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas. Serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesStore undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For dressed salad, consume within 24 hours for best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing due to fresh ingredients. Cooked farro can be frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
