This fresh arugula salad is a tasty mix of peppery greens, sweet peaches, and creamy goat cheese. It’s like a summer party in a bowl!
Adding some nuts or a drizzle of balsamic makes it even better. I love whipping this up for lunch—it’s quick, healthy, and oh-so-yummy! 🥗✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Arugula: This peppery green is the star of the salad. If you can’t find arugula, baby spinach works well too. It’s milder but will give you the leafy goodness!
Peaches: Ripe peaches add sweetness. When they’re out of season, you can swap in nectarines or even apples for a crisp texture.
Goat Cheese: Creamy goat cheese complements the greens beautifully. For a different flavor, feta or blue cheese can be nice alternatives—just use a bit less since they’re stronger!
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts give a great nutty crunch. If you have allergies or prefer other nuts, try walnuts or sliced almonds, which also add a lovely flavor.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a nice touch. Feel free to substitute with mint or parsley if you want a different herb profile!
How Do I Toast Pine Nuts Without Burning Them?
Toasting pine nuts brings out their flavor but can go wrong quickly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a dry skillet over medium heat—do not add oil.
- Keep stirring the pine nuts as they cook to ensure even toasting.
- Watch them closely—once they start to turn golden, take them off the heat! They can burn fast.
Let them cool before adding to the salad. Perfectly toasted pine nuts will elevate your salad with their rich taste!
Fresh Arugula Salad with Peaches and Goat Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a couple of minutes toasting the pine nuts, slicing the peaches, and mixing everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a light lunch or a side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toasting the Pine Nuts:
Start by toasting your pine nuts! Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and smell yummy. Be careful not to burn them! Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool.
2. Combining the Greens and Fruits:
In a large salad bowl, add the fresh arugula. Then, layer on those sweet, thinly sliced peaches. They’ll bring a beautiful color and flavor to the mix!
3. Adding Flavor with Toppings:
Now it’s time for the toppings. Sprinkle those toasted pine nuts and freshly sliced basil over the salad—this adds a lovely crunch and fresh aroma.
4. Crumbling the Cheese:
Next, crumble the goat cheese evenly on top of your salad. This creamy cheese is a perfect complement to the arugula and peaches.
5. Whipping Up the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple dressing. This will enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
6. Dress and Toss the Salad:
Now, drizzle the dressing all over the salad. Gently toss everything together so that the arugula, peaches, and toppings are all well-coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your fresh arugula salad is ready to go! Serve immediately for the freshest taste. Enjoy the delightful balance of peppery greens, juicy peaches, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pine nuts!
Bon appétit! 🥗🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season or available, feel free to substitute with nectarines, plums, or even pears. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the salad!
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can swap it for feta cheese for a tangy twist or creamy ricotta for a milder flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To maintain the freshness, try to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. The arugula can wilt if it sits too long with the dressing!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the components ahead of time! Wash and dry the arugula, slice the peaches, and toast the pine nuts, then store them separately in the fridge. Combine everything and add the dressing just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
