Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

You will definitely want to bookmark this recipe for Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese! The fusion of peppery arugula leaves and the rich, tangy flavors of goat cheese all served on a bed of roasted sweet potatoes offers a delicious contrast in textures and tastes. It is a perfect appetizer or side dish for an elegant meal.

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A plate with arugula salad topped with crumbled goat cheese served on top of roasted sweet potatoes and drizzled with balsamic glaze

Salads are a classic side dish and a great way to get your greens! Other favorite salad recipes include this Fattoush Salad and this recipe for Spring Onion Potato Salad. Check out all of our Healthy Salad Recipes for more inspiration.

Why YOU will love this recipe

  • Go for the bold! Arugula’s peppery taste adds a unique element to salads making it a great choice for those who enjoy bold and complex flavor profiles.
  • You’re going to love the nutritional benefits of this arugula goat cheese salad. Arugula is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, making it a healthy choice.
  • It looks gorgeous. This impressive salad is an easy way to impress your guests or indulge in a gourmet salad at home.
  • This recipe is also naturally gluten free. Bonus!
A plate of arugula salad topped with crumbled goat cheese served on top of roasted sweet potatoes and drizzled with balsamic glaze

Ingredients

Find the full ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

  • Arugula – Check for moisture as the leaves should not be wet or slimy. Excess moisture can lead to wilting and spoilage.
  • Sweet potatoes – We generally leave the skins on for that added fiber.
  • Goat cheese – Soft, creamy goat cheese adds just enough tang to balance the spicy arugula.
  • Balsamic glaze – You can buy this or try making Homemade Balsamic Glaze! It is pretty easy and you control the quality of the ingredients. You could also substitute with plain balsamic vinegar.
  • Olive oil – For salad dressings we recommend extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor.
  • Garlic puree – You can also substitute garlic powder.
  • Rosemary – Fresh or dried both works.
  • Sea salt – A pinch of fine sea salt is a must to bring out the flavors of your ingredients.
A spoon in a jar of homemade dressing.

Equipment

  • Baking sheet – This is for roasting the sweet potatoes. We use a rimmed ceramic baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper – A must for easy cleanup. We recommend using unbleached parchment paper.
  • Large mixing bowls – You will need two. One for prepping the sweet potatoes and one for tossing the greens in the dressing.
  • Small mason jar – This is our favorite way to prep salad dressings. Just shake up the ingredients!
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Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

The first thing to do is get your sweet potatoes roasting. Preheat your oven to and line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Next, scrub the sweet potato clean and slice it into 1/2 inch thick rounds and place them in a large bowl.

Then, toss the sweet potato rounds in the olive oil, sea salt, garlic, and rosemary until well coated.

A bowl of sliced sweet potatoes.

Step 3

Then place the coated sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.

Be sure to evenly space them out so they roast nicely.

Sliced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.

Step 4

Next, roast the potatoes in the oven until golden and the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

They will look like this:

Roasted sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.

Step 5

Meanwhile, make the dressing. Add the olive oil and balsamic reduction to a small mason jar and shake it well.

Place the arugula leaves into a bowl and pour the balsamic vinaigrette over top. Toss the mixture to coat all of the leaves.

Salad greens in a bowl with dressing on top.

Step 6

Then, once the potatoes are ready you can assemble the salad. Portion the potatoes onto salad plates and top with the dressed arugula. Crumble the goat cheese on top and serve.

The warm potato melts the cheese just enough. The textures are so perfect together.

A fork full of salad.

Expert tip

Drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze over the plates in a zig zag for a lovely presentation.

It looks like something you would be served in a classy restaurant.

A plate of arugula salad with goat cheese and roasted sweet potatoes.

Recipe variations

  • Swap out the arugula for spinach instead. It has a milder flavor and is slightly sweeter.
  • If you want a salty punch, substitute grated parmesan cheese instead of the goat cheese.
  • Add some crunch by tossing on a few nuts. Toasted Pecans and Roasted Almonds are lovely or add even more flavor with these Spiced Walnuts. Yum!
  • Boost the sweetness by adding some fruit or berries. We recommend fresh sliced strawberries or dried cranberries.
  • Thinly slice some red onion or shallots and add to the salad for a hit of pungent onion flavor.

Serving suggestions

  • This salad is perfect for the holidays, as it looks so pretty drizzled with the balsamic reduction. Time to break out some pretty salad plates to make it look stunning.
  • Serve it alongside your favorite protein. Chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak, and of course roasted turkey all will pair nicely with this arugula salad.
  • This salad can be served individually on small side plates or serve it family style and plate it on a platter and pass it around the table.

FAQS

Is arugula the same as rocket?

Yes, indeed they are one and the same. Both rocket and arugula are derived from Italian words. Generally it is called arugula in North America and rocket in the UK.

What does arugula taste like?

Arugula is a dark leafy lettuce that has a sharp, black pepper taste. It can have a strong flavour and can be a little harsh on its own.

How do you make arugula taste better?

Adding sweetness to offset the snappy greens makes everything balance out nicely. In this yummy salad recipe, we use sweet potatoes as well as the balsamic glaze dressing to bring that sweetness to the dish. Add in the creamy goat cheese and we have a winner.

Storage tips

This salad is best enjoyed right away for the optimum flavor. Leftovers can be stored in a airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Arugula salad topped with crumbled goat cheese served on top of roasted sweet potatoes and drizzled with balsamic glaze

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**This recipe was originally posted on November 28, 2014. Updated on December 1, 2020, and updated again on October 14, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

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A forkful of arugula salad with goat cheese and sweet potato.

Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Sweet Potatoes

Sharon Rhodes
You will definitely want to bookmark this recipe for Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese! The fusion of peppery arugula leaves and the rich, tangy flavors of goat cheese all served on a bed of roasted sweet potatoes offers a delicious contrast in textures and tastes. It is a perfect appetizer or side dish for an elegant meal.
4.96 from 43 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

FOR THE SALAD

FOR THE DRESSING

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Scrub the sweet potato clean and slice it into ½ inch thick rounds and place them in a small mixing bowl.
  • Toss the sweet potato rounds in the oil, sea salt, garlic, and dried rosemary until well coated then place them evenly spaced onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flip them, and roast for 5 minutes more.
  • Meanwhile, in a small mason jar add the oil and balsamic reduction and shake it well to combine. Add the arugula to a mixing bowl and pour the dressing over it. Toss it well to coat the leaves.
  • Take the sweet potatoes out of the oven and transfer them evenly onto 4 plates. Top the warm potatoes with the dressed greens and crumble the goat cheese on top. Drizzle with extra balsamic reduction, if desired. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Storage tips

This salad is best enjoyed right away for the optimum flavor. Leftovers can be stored in a airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 347mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 9119IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 1mg
Keyword arugula salad with goat cheese
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34 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This turned out amazing! My daughter wanted a new sweet potato recipe to try when we stumbled upon this one. The flavor was delicious!

  2. 5 stars
    I love arugula but sometimes the taste can overwhelm. I never thought to combine it with sweet potatoes and WOW is it amazing! This is my new go-to arugula salad, thank you!

    1. I agree! The sweetness of the potatoes really mellows the peppery taste of the arugula. Thanks Rena! So glad you enjoyed it.

  3. 5 stars
    Wowza! This is my favorite! I followed the recipe and just made it as my meal instead of a side. It was the best ever, it might get made again tomorrow!

  4. 5 stars
    Ha Ha! I know what you mean about man pleasing meals, especially ones with arugula, being doubly satisfying! I’m sure my guys would be pleased by this a well!

  5. 5 stars
    Made this for my partner last night and it went down brilliant, he absolutely devoured it after coming back from the gym, just what he needed but he did have some chicken of the side lol
    The balsamic glaze over the top just gave it that sweet taste that goes perfect with rocket and sweet potato 🙂
    Thanks for sharing!!

  6. 5 stars
    ohhh, I love the tangy goats cheese with sweet potatoes. Just the perfect salad that doesn’t leave me hungry afterwards. I can see why your husband finished a plate off in no-time.

  7. Love how simply, healthy and delicious this sweet potato salad is. I always am on the lookout for delicious salad recipes to quickly make for myself, so thanks for sharing this one!

    1. Thanks Thalia. 🙂 I’m with you on loving quick and easy salads. I was so happy how simple yet effective the roasted sweet potatoes were. Have a great weekend!

  8. Great flavour combination! I love pairing tangy cheeses with the sweetness of sweet potato/winter squash – you can never go wrong.

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