Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the ultimate balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. The grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness, while the goat cheese brings a creamy tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the peppery notes of arugula. The green onions and grape tomatoes provide a burst of freshness, and the homemade lemon-vinegar dressing ties everything together with a zesty kick. Plus, it’s quick to make and can be served as a side or a light main dish.

Arugula, Corn and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
5 ears sweet corn, grilled, husked, and grilled
3 green onions, sliced
2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
4 cups arugula, chopped
Juice of half of a lemon
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the corn and grill over medium-high heat until roasted, turning frequently. Allow the corn to cool, then cut it off the ears.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled corn, green onions, grape tomatoes, goat cheese, and arugula.
In a small jar, combine the juice from half a lemon, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, and 4 tablespoons olive oil. Shake well to combine.
Drizzle a small amount of dressing over the salad and toss to coat, adding more dressing as needed.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add protein: To make this salad heartier, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a boost of protein.
Swap the cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta or blue cheese can be excellent alternatives.
Change the greens: While arugula is a perfect choice for this recipe, you can also use spinach, kale, or mixed greens.
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The dressing can also be stored separately for longer shelf life.
Reheating: Since this is a salad, it is not recommended to reheat it. The fresh ingredients are best enjoyed chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh corn on the cob?

Yes, you can use canned or frozen corn if fresh corn isn’t available. However, grilled corn adds a special smoky flavor to the salad, so fresh or frozen corn that’s been grilled or roasted will give the best taste.

2. Can I make this salad in advance?

While the salad itself can be made ahead, it’s best to wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.

3. How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply replace the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether.

4. What other vegetables can I add to this salad?

Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado to customize the salad to your liking.

5. Can I use a different vinegar for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar depending on your preference.

6. How can I add more flavor to the dressing?

For an extra punch, you can add Dijon mustard, honey, or a clove of minced garlic to the dressing.

7. Can I grill the vegetables ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the corn and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before making the salad.

8. What kind of cheese can I substitute for goat cheese?

If goat cheese isn’t to your taste, you can substitute it with feta, blue cheese, or even a creamy ricotta for a different texture.

9. Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes! Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans would add a nice crunch to this salad.

10. How do I make the salad spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, try adding sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Arugula, Corn, and Goat Cheese Salad is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side or a light main course, the combination of fresh ingredients and the bright, tangy dressing will surely make it a favorite. Customize it with your favorite add-ins or serve it as is—the possibilities are endless!

Lily