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Cranberry Vinaigrette Arugula Goat Cheese Salad

A vibrant salad featuring peppery arugula, soft goat cheese, chewy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a bright homemade cranberry vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Vinaigrette
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries Softened in boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water For soaking cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 6 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper To taste
For the Salad
  • 10 ounces arugula Fresh, deep green leaves
  • 1 1/4 cups pecan halves Toasted
  • 5 ounces goat cheese Crumbled

Method
 

Soften and Drain the Cranberries
  1. Put the dried cranberries in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them, letting them steep for 10 minutes. Then drain well.
Whisk the Vinaigrette
  1. In another small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in the canola oil until blended. Add the drained cranberries and chopped parsley, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Prepare the Salad Base
  1. Place the arugula in a large serving bowl, ensuring it is dried thoroughly if washed. Scatter the toasted pecan halves and crumbled goat cheese over the greens.
Dress and Serve
  1. Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Start with a little and add more to taste. Toss gently or leave toppings visible for presentation.
Make the Vinaigrette Ahead
  1. Make the vinaigrette up to two days before serving. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Before assembling the salad, let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes, then whisk or shake.

Notes

For the crispest greens, add the dressing just before serving. Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, and choose other greens or cheeses as per preference.