This fresh watermelon, arugula and goat cheese salad pairs well with any summer recipe! The peppery bite of arugula balances out the creamy goat cheese, while the juicy watermelon goes perfectly with the toasted crunch of the almonds. To top it all off, the balsamic glaze brings the whole dish together.
This blog post was originally published on June 13, 2019. It was updated on March 2, 2024 with helpful step by step instructions and new photos.
This easy to make vegetarian salad is so simple yet the flavors are perfectly balanced! Watermelon and arugula salad is an easy way to impress your guests with minimal prep required.
Ripe, juicy watermelon is such a nostalgic food, making it perfect for summer get-togethers. If you find yourself with extra watermelon I recommend making watermelon caprese skewers, watermelon bruschetta, peach watermelon salad or watermelon salsa!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You only need 5 simple ingredients for this watermelon goat cheese salad!
- Make your own homemade balsamic glaze or use store-bought to keep things quick.
- It's easy to modify the recipe to your liking. Try using different types of melon or various summer fruits in place of, or in addition to the watermelon.
Ingredient Notes
- Arugula - acts as the peppery base for the salad. It provides necessary contrast to the rest of the ingredients!
- Watermelon - ripe and juicy watermelon will taste best in this recipe! Its sweetness balances out the arugula.
- Goat cheese - salty goat cheese adds a creamy element that pairs well with other flavors.
- Almonds - sliced almonds are optional, but they add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to layer in the salad.
- Balsamic glaze - you can find this in the store next to the regular balsamic vinegar. Or make your own balsamic glaze using just balsamic vinegar (see recipe card for details).
- Maldon salt - this flaky salt is completely optional, but adds a nice finishing touch to the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Greens - for a more mild flavor use mixed greens in place of arugula.
- Cheese - swap in flavored goat cheese (such as honey or cranberry goat cheese), try using feta cheese or even blue cheese! All of these types of cheese are similar in texture and will pair well with the other flavors in the salad.
- Vegan - use vegan feta cheese; I like the one from Trader Joe's
- Nuts - swap in pistachios, or try using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Melon - use cantaloupe or honeydew melon in place of, or with the watermelon.
- Dressing - this sweet maple vinaigrette will also pair well with the salad if you want something a bit stronger than the glaze. Or try making this raspberry balsamic glaze!
- Mint - try adding fresh mint leaves on top for a refreshing element!
Step by Step Instructions
Toast the sliced almonds in a pan until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
Add a handful of arugula to each salad bowl. Add the watermelon, toasted almonds, crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt if desired and enjoy!
Hint: the flaky salt is optional but it helps bring out the sweetness of the watermelon.
Top Tip
Save on prep time by buying pre-sliced watermelon and using store-bought balsamic glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not recommend assembling this salad ahead of time. If the watermelon sits on the arugula for too long it will cause the lettuce to become soggy. Prep and store the ingredients separately in order to minimize assembly time.
Cut the watermelon into wedges (leave the rind on) and lightly grill the watermelon on each side. Grilling watermelon will enhance the flavors, adding a hint of smokiness and caramelization to the dish.
Watermelon, Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 5 oz arugula (about 6 cups)
- 3 cups watermelon , cut into cubes
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
- 6 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or 1 cup of balsamic vinegar) - see notes
- ½ tablespoon Maldon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into bite sized cubes if not already prepared. Set aside.
- Add the sliced almonds to a large pan set over medium heat. Toast the almonds in the pan for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The almonds will become fragrant and begin to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the salad. Layer the arugula, watermelon, almonds, and goat cheese in the serving dish of your choice. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top of the salad in a zigzag motion.
- Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of Maldon salt if desired and enjoy.
Anonymous says
This is one of my favorite summer salads! The flavors go together so well.