Arugula Goat Cheese Salad Recipe – The BEST for Summer!
Salads in the summer are a way of life. The fact that they can be made with little to no cooking and use the best produce when it’s in season brings me so much joy! And now that Cherry Plums are in season, I knew I had to make this arugula goat cheese salad again.
It’s the best easy summer salad and perfect as a side dish, but add in some cooked or grilled chicken and it can easily be a complete meal! The different components can be separated for littles, and you can pretty much use any summer stone fruit you want. I recently made this as a healthy 4th of July side dish and it was such a hit! This recipe has been tested to perfection for years. It’s truly so good and one of my top faves!
RELATED: 100+ Light Summer Meals
Ingredients
- Dry Quinoa – Cooked to fluffy perfection for a hearty, protein-packed base. You can also use farro or couscous if needed! Feel free to use pre-cooked or microwave packets of quinoa instead to save time.
- Pine Nuts – Lightly toasted for the best nutty crunch. Slivered almonds or chopped walnuts work well, too!
- Baby Arugula – Peppery and fresh! Feel free to swap with spinach, spring mix, or massaged kale.
- Cherry Plums – Sweet, juicy, and just the right amount of tart. If you can’t find cherry plums, sliced plums or nectarines make a great substitute.
- Cherry Tomatoes – For that burst of summer flavor and color. Love these in this salad!
- Goat Cheese – Creamy, tangy, and so perfect here. Crumbled feta or even fresh mozzarella could work in a pinch.
- Fresh Basil – Adds a fragrant finish! You could also use mint or parsley if that’s what you have on hand.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette– Use my homemade version or store-bought instead!
How to Make this Plum Goat Cheese Salad
This summer salad is SO easy to make! All you’ll need is a salad bowl, a dressing shaker (optional), and 20 minutes. Here’s how to make my Plum Goat Cheese Salad recipe:
- Cook the Quinoa – Follow the package instructions or use my foolproof method for perfect quinoa every time. Let it cool slightly.
- Toast the Pine Nuts – Add them to a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, layer the arugula, halved cherry plums, cherry tomatoes, cooked quinoa, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Top with fresh basil.
- Make the Dressing – Whisk or shake together the vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Toss and Serve – Drizzle the dressing over the salad, give it a gentle toss, and enjoy immediately!
Variations
Peach Goat Cheese Summer Salad – Swap the cherry plums with sliced ripe peaches and add a few blackberries for an extra pop of sweetness. Pair with the same vinaigrette or try a honey-lemon dressing!
Plum & Lemon Herb Salad – Give the classic version a zesty twist with a lemon-based vinaigrette (lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon, and fresh thyme). It adds brightness that pairs beautifully with the goat cheese and basil.
Strawberry Balsamic Salad – Use strawberries in place of plums and toss in a few baby spinach leaves with the arugula. Keep the balsamic vinaigrette for that classic strawberry-balsamic combo!
Fig & Arugula Salad – Fresh figs, goat cheese, and arugula are a dream together. Try it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a richer finish.
Apricot & Mint Salad – Sub cherry plums with sliced apricots and garnish with fresh mint instead of basil. A light champagne vinaigrette works beautifully here!
You’ll Also Love: Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad
How to Store
Refrigerator – Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Dressing – The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just give it a good shake before using!
Favorite Pairings
- Dairy-Free Tuscan Chicken
- Salmon Patties
- Honey Balsamic Chicken
- Greek Chicken Kabobs
- Maple Barbecue Salmon
More Side Salads for Summer
- Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Pasta Salad (Vegan)
- Pear & Goat Cheese Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Peach Mozzarella Salad
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Cherry Plum Goat Cheese Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Summer Salad
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 6-8 cherry plums (halved or sliced)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4-6 ounces goat cheese
- fresh basil (to taste, garnish)
Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon honey (or agave syrup)
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions (or follow these instructions for cooking quinoa perfectly every time).
- Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes, just until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Assemble the salad(s) with arugula, cherry plums, cherry tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, cooked quinoa, toasted pine nuts, and freshly chopped basil.
- Whisk or shake the vinaigrette ingredients together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, mix, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- This recipe makes 2 large salads or 4 side salads.
Lisa says:
I just made a version of this delightful salad for supper ona hot Alabama evening and I’m hooked! I had bought some pluots/plumcots (plum apricot hybrid) as a challenge and searching for ways to use brought me to this recipe. Subbed in some cooked plain barley for quinoa and had sunflower kernels from another recipe. This was so refreshing, filling but not uncomfortable. I was pleasantly surprised by how the different tastes and textures played. Keeper!!
Nayomi says:
I need to try a fruit salad this summer. I’ve never had one but this looks absolutely fantastic. I love plums AND these cheese too, absolute winner!
Katie says:
I am all about the salads right now! This recipe was soooo good and was a combination of ingredients that I have never tried before. I loved it!
Addie says:
I love this fresh summer salad! Perfect for those warm weather days!
Oscar says:
This was a tasty salad. Loved the quinoa with goat cheese. My family loved it.
Serena says:
I have never tried cherry plums. This sounds delicious! I’m going to have to give it a try.
Cheese Curd In Paradise says:
I love the combination of plums and goat cheese. This salad has the best of the best of summer foods. I love the addition of the pine nuts too!
Louisa says:
OMG this looks SOOOO yummy and healthy too. I have to try this out sometime.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Louisa! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
HeidiRaind says:
Wow, I must try to make it this summer!
Christine McMichael replied:
Enjoy!:)
Paige Strand says:
That looks great!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Paige!
Erika Ravnsborg says:
This looks fabulous . It’s a meal in itself . Must try and make this
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Erika!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says:
Yum, summer is the best, isn’t it? The fact that you could eat this salad without dressing because everything is so fresh and flavorful. I love it!