This Vibrant Arugula Salad is a fresh, colorful, and beautifully balanced dish that brings together sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy elements in every bite. Peppery arugula sets the stage for juicy citrus, ripe peach slices, crisp apple, and earthy pickled beets. Toasted walnuts add a rich crunch, while goat cheese provides creamy contrast.
Finished with a luscious honey-balsamic drizzle and microgreens for freshness, this salad feels gourmet yet requires only 10 minutes to assemble. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or an elegant addition to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 5 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup mandarin or Cutie orange segments
- 1 cup thinly sliced pickled beets
- 1 peach, thinly sliced
- 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
- 1 tbsp microgreens
Honey-Balsamic Drizzle
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Build the Salad Base
Spread the arugula evenly across a large serving platter or long salad dish. This creates the vibrant green foundation for the toppings.
- Layer the Fruits & Beets
Arrange the mandarin segments, pickled beet slices, peach slices, and apple slices across the arugula.
Try to spread the colors evenly so every bite is varied and visually appealing.
- Add Creaminess & Crunch
Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the salad.
Add the toasted walnuts for texture and richness, then scatter microgreens over the top for a fresh, bright finish.
- Make the Honey-Balsamic Drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, honey, and olive oil until smooth and glossy.
- Dress & Season
Drizzle the honey-balsamic mixture evenly over the top of the salad.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring out all the flavors.
- Serve Immediately
This salad is best served fresh when the fruits are juicy and the arugula is crisp.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips
- Use chilled fruit for extra crispness and refreshing flavor.
- Slice the apple right before assembling to prevent browning.
- For extra aroma, add a touch of grated orange zest.
Variations
- Cheese swap: Feta, blue cheese, or burrata work beautifully.
- Nut options: Pecans, pistachios, or almonds add great crunch.
- Protein add-ins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon turn it into a full meal.
- Citrus change: Try grapefruit, blood orange, or pineapple.
Storage
- Best enjoyed immediately after dressing.
- If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.
- Leftovers (undressed) keep for up to 1 day in the fridge.
Pairings
- Proteins: grilled chicken, roasted salmon, lemon-pepper shrimp
- Sides: garlic bread, couscous, quinoa, roasted veggies
- Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco, Pinot Grigio
- Beverages: citrus iced tea, sparkling water with lime
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Fresh / Modern / Mediterranean-inspired
- Calories: 295 kcal
