Fresh Arugula Blue Cheese Salad with walnuts and balsamic dressing

Why Make This Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and healthy dish, the Arugula and Blue Cheese Salad is perfect. This salad is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. It combines the peppery taste of arugula with the creamy, tangy flavor of blue cheese. It's a delightful way to enjoy greens, making it great for a light lunch or a dinner side. Plus, it's packed with nutrients and will keep you feeling satisfied without being too heavy.

How to Make Arugula and Blue Cheese Salad

Ingredients

Arugula - about 4 cups, washed and dried
Blue cheese - 100g, crumbled
Cherry tomatoes - one cup, halved
Red onion - half a small onion, thinly sliced
Walnuts - half a cup, toasted if desired
Olive oil - 2-3 tablespoons, for drizzling
Balsamic vinegar - 1-2 tablespoons, for added flavor
Salt and pepper - to taste

Directions

Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure to wash and dry the arugula thoroughly. Crumble the blue cheese and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the arugula, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
If you like, toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they are slightly golden. Add them to the salad mixture.
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
Toss everything together gently so that the ingredients are mixed well, but be careful not to break the cheese into too small pieces.
Serve the salad on individual plates or in a large bowl for sharing.

How to Serve Arugula and Blue Cheese Salad

This salad is best served immediately after preparing it. You can plate it individually or serve it in a big bowl for everyone to help themselves. It makes a lovely side dish with grilled meats or seafood. You can also enjoy it as a light main dish by adding some grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

How to Store Arugula and Blue Cheese Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it's best to eat this salad fresh. If you do have leftovers, keep the dressing separate to prevent the arugula from wilting. You can also keep the walnuts aside if you prefer them crunchy.

Tips to Make Arugula and Blue Cheese Salad

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Try to find fresh, organic arugula if possible.
If you aren't a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or feta for a different taste.
For added crunch, consider including some sliced apples or pears.
Make sure your olive oil is fresh; it can truly enhance the flavor of your salad.

Variation

You can customize this salad in many ways. For instance, you could add roasted beets for a sweet touch or include chickpeas for extra protein. Feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what you have at home!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to make this salad right before serving. If you must prepare in advance, keep the dressing separate until right before you eat.

What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If you don't like blue cheese, you can use goat cheese, feta, or even cheddar as alternatives.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and mix them just before serving. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Arugula and Blue Cheese Salad is a delicious, healthy option for any meal. Its simplicity and robust flavors appeal to many tastes. Remember, you can always adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful combination of arugula and blue cheese!