Description
A vibrant and fresh Cherry Plum Goat Cheese Salad featuring nutty quinoa, toasted pine nuts, sweet cherry plums and tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner with a balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
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, crumbled
- Fresh basil, to taste (for garnish)
Dressing
- 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 Quinoa: Prepare the quinoa according to the package instructions until tender. This usually involves rinsing the quinoa, then simmering it in water for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Toast Pine Nuts: While the quinoa cooks, place the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, baby arugula, halved cherry plums, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, and freshly chopped basil. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (or agave syrup), balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Pour, Toss, & Enjoy: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, flavorful salad.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- Use ripe cherry plums for the best flavor contrast in the salad.
- You can substitute pine nuts with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- If you want a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
