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Warm Spring Arugula Salad With Roasted Veggies & Goat Cheese - A Bright, Comforting Bowl

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Arugula: 5–6 cups, lightly packed (baby arugula preferred)
  • Asparagus: 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and sliced on a bias, 1/2-inch thick
  • Radishes: 1 bunch, halved (or quartered if large)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, whole
  • Red onion: 1 small, cut into thin wedges
  • Goat cheese: 4 ounces, crumbled
  • Toasted nuts: 1/3 cup (almonds, pistachios, or walnuts)
  • Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup chopped (parsley, dill, or chives)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: about 5 tablespoons, divided
  • Lemon: 1 large, zested and juiced
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Honey or maple syrup: 2 teaspoons
  • Garlic: 1 small clove, finely grated
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cooked farro or quinoa, roasted chickpeas, prosciutto, or grilled chicken

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
  • Prep the veggies: Toss carrots, radishes, and onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the sheet pan. Roast for 12 minutes.
  • Add quick-cooking veg: Pull the pan, add asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season again, and toss. Roast another 10–12 minutes, until edges are caramelized and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  • Toast the nuts: While veggies finish, toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, shaking often. Remove when fragrant and slightly darkened.
  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Dijon, honey, garlic, a big pinch of salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust—add more lemon for brightness, honey for balance, or salt for punch.
  • Dress the greens: Place arugula in a large bowl. Spoon over half the dressing and toss gently until just coated. You want the leaves glossy, not drenched.
  • Combine warm with cool: Add the roasted vegetables straight from the oven to the arugula. Toss lightly so the residual heat softens the greens without wilting them completely.
  • Finish: Sprinkle with goat cheese, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top. Add a grind of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt if you have it.
  • Serve: Plate immediately while warm. For a heartier meal, top with roasted chickpeas or warm grains like farro.