Serves 4

Popularly celebrated for its peppery bite and tender leaves, arugula is a staple green that truly shines in spring. Nan’s Lala Garlic Vinaigrette lends its bright, savory flavor to this simple-yet-satisfying salad, tying together the sweetness of candied walnuts, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, and the zesty crunch of thinly sliced red onion with a smooth earthy profile. 

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Spring is fast-approaching, bringing with it the highly-anticipated return of seasonal produce. Crisp asparagus, tender peas, and juicy strawberries are just a few of the colorful arrivals we’ve been looking forward to. For many salad enthusiasts, though, arugula remains one of the most iconic greens of early spring. Its signature peppery bite feels almost like a celebration of the season itself—a welcome transition from winter’s hearty fare to the brighter, fresher flavors adorning our plates and kitchens in the months to come.

 

In our family, Nan's arugula salad appears on the table the second the weather starts to warm up. This simple arugula salad recipe is as easy as it is versatile: elegant enough for a Mother’s Day brunch, yet fast and filling enough to pair with any weekday meal. Plus, it showcases some iconic springtime produce and teases the upcoming summer season with a medley of bright and playful flavors:

• Arugula: Spring’s cool, mild temperatures help arugula flourish. It has a quintessential peppery kick that lightens as days grow warmer. Flavors aside, fresh arugula packs a punch in the form of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, folate, and iron.
• Red Onion: With a mild, lively bite that echoes the arugula’s peppery flavor profile, red onion also adds a pop of color to your plate. Onions are also known for their antioxidant properties.
• Candied Walnuts: Sweet, crunchy, and rich in healthy fats, candied walnuts balance the tangy flavors of the goat cheese and onion while complementing the hearty garlic flavors of the vinaigrette.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tart, and rich, goat cheese effortlessly elevates any salad with its luxurious texture and taste. Not to mention it's a great source of protein, calcium, and minerals while being easier to digest than cow cheese.
• Nan's Lala Garlic Vinaigrette: Made from Nan's original recipe with certified all-organic ingredients and single-source extra virgin olive oil grown in sunny California, this dressing adds a light garlic flavor that complements and unites each ingredient. Fresh out? Grab some here.

Now, let's get cooking!

Ingredients

• 5 Oz Arugula (any variety)
• 1 Medium Red Onion
• 1 Cup Candied Walnuts
• 1 Cup (4 oz) Goat Cheese Crumbles
• ¼ Cup Nan’s Lala Garlic Vinaigrette

Preparation

1. Wash and dry all produce.
2. Assemble the arugula in the base of your salad bowl.
3. Thinly slice your red onion and arrange over the arugula.
4. Coarsely chop your candied walnuts and scatter them over the salad.
5. Liberally sprinkle the goat cheese crumbles over the salad.
6. Pour ⅔ of Nan’s Lala Garlic Vinaigrette over the salad to start and toss. Add the remaining dressing if you wish.

 

Tips

Arugula's thin and velvety-soft leaves have a shorter shelf life than other salad bases. This recipe is the perfect excuse to stop by your local farmers market to pick out some fresh, locally-grown produce, which tends to last longer—not to mention taste better!

If you're stopping by the farmer's market, we'd also recommend picking up a fresh loaf of sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up every last drop of Nan's vinaigrette.

Feeling adventurous? You can make this simple arugula salad your own by adding or customizing with any number of ingredients. Here are just a few ideas:

• If goat cheese isn’t your thing, crumbled feta, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan can stand in nicely.
• Give the salad a protein boost by adding grilled chicken breast, steak bites, or plant-based proteins like quinoa.
• Swap out candied walnuts for sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or pecans.
• Add a bright burst of citrus with a squeeze of lemon juice or a few pinches of lemon zest.
• Double down on the arugula's peppery profile with fresh cracked black pepper.
• Mix in other early spring veggies like radishes or snap peas for a burst of color and crunch.
• Add an additional layer of sweetness with fresh or dried figs.

There's so many ways to enjoy arugula this spring. Let us know your favorite by connecting with us on Instagram and Facebook!