Citrus Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese Recipe

Arugula: A peppery, leafy green that forms the base of the salad.

Orange segments: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad.

Goat cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the other ingredients.

Toasted sliced almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and smoothness.

Lemon juice: Adds a bright, acidic note to the dressing.

Honey: Balances the acidity of the lemon juice with a touch of sweetness.

Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang and helps emulsify the dressing.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dressing and salad.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing.

When preparing the orange segments, make sure to remove all the pith and membranes to avoid any bitterness in the salad. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut away the peel and pith, then slice between the membranes to release the juicy segments. This technique, known as supreming, ensures that only the sweetest, most tender parts of the orange are included in your salad.

• arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a similar texture and slightly peppery flavor, making it a good alternative.

• orange segments - Substitute with grapefruit segments: Grapefruit provides a similar citrusy burst of flavor with a bit more tartness.

• goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, and they are often more allergy-friendly.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits, making it a good alternative.

• fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, which works well in dressings.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and adds a bit of texture to the dressing.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness without altering the color of the dressing.

• To keep your citrus arugula salad fresh, store the arugula and other salad components separately from the dressing. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy.
• Place the arugula in a plastic bag or airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Store in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
• Store the orange segments in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them juicy and prevents them from making the arugula wilt.
• Keep the crumbled goat cheese in its original packaging or transfer it to a small airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Toasted sliced almonds should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
• For the dressing, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before each use and refrigerate.
• When ready to serve, combine the arugula, orange segments, goat cheese, and toasted almonds in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• If you need to prepare the salad in advance, assemble it without the dressing and store it in the refrigerator. Add the dressing just before serving to ensure the arugula remains crisp.
• Freezing this salad is not recommended as the arugula and orange segments will lose their texture and freshness. However, you can freeze the dressing separately if needed.

• Start by removing the arugula and goat cheese from the salad. These ingredients are best added fresh to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Gently warm the orange segments and toasted almonds in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes. This will help to revive their flavors without making them too soft.
• If the dressing has separated, whisk it again to recombine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and dijon mustard.
• Reassemble the salad by mixing the warmed orange segments and toasted almonds with fresh arugula and goat cheese.
• Drizzle the recombined dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshed flavors and textures.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.

• Large salad bowl: Combine the arugula, orange segments, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted almonds in this bowl.

• Measuring cups: Accurate measurement of the arugula, orange segments, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Precise measurement of the lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: Use this to peel and slice the orange segments.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for peeling and slicing the oranges.

• Serving utensils: Use these to toss the salad gently and serve it immediately.

• Toaster or skillet: Toast the sliced almonds to bring out their flavor and add a crunchy texture to the salad.

Prepare the dressing in advance: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-peeled orange segments: Save time by buying pre-peeled and sliced orange segments from the store.

Buy pre-toasted almonds: Purchase toasted sliced almonds to skip the toasting step.

Pre-wash the arugula: Wash and dry the arugula ahead of time and store it in a salad spinner or airtight container.

Crumble goat cheese in advance: Crumble the goat cheese and store it in the fridge until ready to use.