Arugula Nectarine Salad

I adore incorporating fruits into salads, and I believe nectarines deserve more spotlight! Nothing beats the sweetness and juiciness of a ripe nectarine, and this Arugula Nectarine Salad showcases its incredible flavor. With vibrant colors and the addition of goat cheese, it strikes a perfect balance between tanginess and fruity sweetness. This uncomplicated dish, featuring fresh ingredients topped with your preferred vinaigrette, is an ideal summer delight!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Arugula Nectarine Salad celebrates the often-overlooked nectarine, highlighting its natural sweetness that complements the peppery arugula. With the addition of goat cheese for a perfect tangy balance, this dish is a refreshing and vibrant summer delight. Its simplicity and harmonious flavors make it an inviting addition to any meal and you can pair it with any vinaigrette you love.

Ingredients You Will Need

Arugula: Arugula is a peppery leafy green known for its slightly spicy flavor and makes for a wonderful salad base.

Cherry Tomatoes: These petite tomatoes are bite-sized and bursting with a sweet and juicy flavor, and are often very colorful!

Persian Cucumbers: Compared to standard cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are smaller, seedless, and crunchier.

Nectarines: As a stone fruit, nectarines embody the essence of summer, boasting juicy flesh and a sweet-tart flavor.

Red Onion: Red onion adds a crunchy texture and bold flavor, elevating salads with its zesty kick.

Fresh Basil: Opt for fresh basil over dried for this salad, as the freshness complements the other bright flavors in this salad and adds a nice aroma.

Goat Cheese: Goat cheese is creamy and tangy, pairing well with the other ingredients in this salad. To keep this salad paleo and Whole30 compatible, omit the goat cheese.

Black Pepper: Pepper introduces a mild heat, enhancing the overall taste of a dish and complementing the peppery notes of arugula.

Instructions

Prepare the arugula: Divide the arugula into 4 serving bowls.

Build the salad: Top the arugula with all of the other ingredients, divided evenly.

Add the vinaigrette of your choice: A nice vinaigrette allows the fruit to shine through while still bringing a perfect vinegar bite to the dish!

Top with goat cheese: You can also choose to omit it!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Dress lightly: Use a light vinaigrette to enhance the salad without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Prep fresh: The freshness of the ingredients speak for themselves in this salad. Ensure the arugula is fresh and crisp; the nectarines ripe yet firm; and the goat cheese at room temperature for easy crumbling.

Making extras: To ensure freshness and prevent wilting, set aside undressed salad if preparing extra for the following day, and dress it just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Keep it dairy free: This salad shines just as much without the addition of goat cheese, so you can leave it out if you want to!

Have fun with vinaigrettes: Experiment with different vinaigrette variations to switch up the flavors of this salad, but be mindful not to overdress as this will overpower the freshness of the other ingredients.

Storage Tips

If you are preparing the Arugula Nectarine Salad in advance, store the components separately to prevent wilting, then dress just before serving. Keep the arugula, sliced nectarines, and goat cheese in individual containers. While the salad can be stored for a day or two, it is best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs About Arugula Nectarine Salad

What flavors go well with arugula?

Arugula meshes well with peppery, tangy, and sweet flavors, making it a great match for ingredients like goat cheese and nectarines. Citrusy dressings, nuts, and fresh herbs also enhance its taste.

What can I do with a lot of arugula?

With an abundance of arugula, there's so much you can do! Make various salads (like this one!), whip up a peppery pesto, toss it into sandwiches, wraps, or omelettes, or use it as a bed for grilled meats or roasted veggies!

What is a good substitute for goat cheese?

You can swap out the goat cheese for feta in this arugula and nectarine salad; its tangy flavor and crumbly texture work great! You could also try shaved Parmesan or fresh mozzarella for different but tasty twists, or skip the cheese entirely if you prefer.