Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that dances between sweet, peppery, and creamy flavors. This Orange Arugula Salad with Vanilla Infused Oil isn't just a recipe—it's a gourmet experience that will elevate your dining game from ordinary to extraordinary. With its perfect balance of fresh arugula, juicy orange segments, crunchy almonds, and luxurious goat cheese, this salad promises to be the star of your meal that everyone will be talking about.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons vanilla infused olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel the oranges and segment them by cutting between the membranes to release the segments. Set aside the orange segments in a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of fresh arugula. Make sure to wash and dry the arugula beforehand to remove any dirt or grit.
- Add the segmented oranges to the bowl with arugula. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to break the orange segments.
- Next, sprinkle 1/4 cup of sliced almonds over the salad. The almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Crumble 1/4 cup of goat cheese and add it to the salad. The creamy texture of the goat cheese complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of vanilla infused olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This will create a flavorful dressing for your salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Use just enough to coat the ingredients lightly without overwhelming them.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients evenly, ensuring that the dressing is well distributed.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp arugula for the best flavor and texture. Organic, if possible, will give you a more robust peppery taste.
- When segmenting oranges, use a sharp paring knife and work over a bowl to catch all the delicious juices.
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra crunch.
- Use high-quality vanilla-infused olive oil for a more pronounced and sophisticated taste profile.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the arugula and prevent wilting.
- If you can't find vanilla-infused olive oil, you can easily make your own by steeping a vanilla bean in good quality olive oil for a few days.
- For a vegan version, replace goat cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit cheese entirely.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
