Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado

Beautiful carrot arugula salad with fig, goat cheese, and avocado is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish, this salad showcases the sweetness of figs, the creaminess of avocado, and the tanginess of goat cheese. With options to grill or roast the carrots, it’s versatile enough for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet figs, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a light lunch or as an accompaniment to dinner; it fits various meal types effortlessly.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad not only tastes good but is good for you too.
• Make Ahead Option: This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your carrot arugula salad with fig, goat cheese, and avocado, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl or platter
• Grill or oven
• Dry skillet
• Medium bowl for dressing
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl or platter: Essential for mixing and serving the salad beautifully.
• Grill or oven: Allows you to cook the carrots to perfection—grilled for smoky flavor or roasted for sweetness.
• Dry skillet: Perfect for toasting walnuts, enhancing their flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

For the Carrots

• 4 large carrots, cut in half vertically and stems/tops removed
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the Salad

• 5 ounces baby arugula
• ¾ cup dried fig halves
• ⅓ cup walnut halves and pieces
• ⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup roasted chickpeas (optional)

Maple Tahini Dressing

• ¼ cup drippy tahini
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin out a bit)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado

Step 1: Prepare Carrots

Add vertically cut carrots to a large bowl or platter. Drizzle with avocado oil and season with freshly ground salt and pepper. Use tongs or clean hands to ensure all carrots are coated evenly.

Step 2: Grill or Roast Carrots

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400 degrees F). Grill the carrots for 15-25 minutes total until slightly tender. Flip them halfway through cooking. If roasting instead, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Toast Walnuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts by stirring occasionally until they are fragrant—this should take about 5 minutes. Once done, set them aside.

Step 4: Make Maple Tahini Dressing

While the carrots are cooking, prepare your dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic powder, water (adding one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency), salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble Salad

In a large platter (or keep in a large bowl), add baby arugula first. Layer on top with grilled carrots, dried figs, toasted walnuts, goat cheese crumbles, sliced avocado, and roasted chickpeas if using.

Step 6: Drizzle & Serve

Drizzle your homemade tahini dressing over the top of the salad. Season lightly with freshly ground salt and pepper. Divide into bowls or serve family-style on your platter. Enjoy! The salad keeps well for 2-4 days in the fridge.

How to Serve Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado

Carrot arugula salad with fig, goat cheese, and avocado is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a gathering, here are some suggestions to elevate your serving experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve this salad as a vibrant main course. The combination of ingredients makes it filling enough to stand alone.

As a Side Salad

• Pair this salad alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It adds a refreshing crunch and complements rich flavors beautifully.

In Individual Bowls

• Present the salad in individual bowls for a more elegant dining experience. This works well for dinner parties or special occasions.

With Additional Protein

• Add sliced grilled chicken or shrimp on top of each serving for extra protein. This transforms the salad into a heartier meal.

As Meal Prep

• Pack this salad in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. It keeps well for several days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top the salad with fresh herbs like basil or mint just before serving. This adds an aromatic touch and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado

To make your carrot arugula salad even more delightful, consider these simple tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh arugula and ripe avocados for optimal taste and texture.
• Toast the Walnuts: Toasting walnuts before adding them brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor.
• Adjust Dressing Consistency: Add warm water gradually to the dressing until you achieve your desired thickness; this ensures it coats the salad perfectly.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like roasted chickpeas or seasonal fruits to personalize your salad.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after preparing it so the greens stay crisp.
• Use Quality Goat Cheese: Opt for creamy goat cheese over crumbled versions; it melts beautifully into the warm carrots.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado

This carrot arugula salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs that provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the figs.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty quinoa pilaf mixed with vegetables adds fiber and protein while keeping it light.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy provide a delicious sweet balance alongside the tangy goat cheese.
4. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm garlic breadsticks offer a comforting side that guests will love dipping into any leftover tahini dressing.
5. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with olives and sun-dried tomatoes brings Mediterranean vibes to your meal.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and beans create a nutritious accompaniment that looks stunning on the table.
7. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters add a fun texture and flavor contrast to your fresh salad.
8. Caprese Skewers: Tomato, basil, and mozzarella skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh bite that ties in well with the salad’s ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing a Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that could affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using unseasoned carrots – Failing to season your carrots before grilling or roasting can lead to bland flavors. Always coat them with oil and season with salt and pepper for better taste.
• Overcooking the carrots – Cooking the carrots for too long can make them mushy. Monitor their cooking time closely, aiming for a tender yet firm texture.
• Not toasting walnuts – Skipping the toasting of walnuts can result in a less flavorful salad. Toast them lightly in a skillet to enhance their nutty flavor before adding them to the salad.
• Skipping the dressing – A common mistake is not making or using a dressing, which can leave your salad dry. The maple tahini dressing adds essential flavor; don’t skip it!
• Layering ingredients incorrectly – Adding all ingredients at once can lead to uneven distribution. Layer the toppings thoughtfully for balanced bites of flavor.
• Ignoring storage practices – Not knowing how to store leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Follow proper storage techniques to keep your salad fresh.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado

• This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the texture changes in ingredients like arugula and avocado.

Reheating Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread any components (like carrots) on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe container and heat on low power in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between each burst until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, mixing gently until just heated. Avoid overheating as it may change texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado?

You can definitely customize this salad! Try adding different nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, or swap out goat cheese for feta if you prefer.

How do I ensure my Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado stays fresh?

To maintain freshness, store the salad and dressing separately until you’re ready to eat. This will prevent sogginess and keep flavors vibrant.

What are some good substitutes for goat cheese in this salad?

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, consider using feta cheese or even cream cheese as alternatives. They provide rich flavors that complement other ingredients well.

How can I add more protein to my Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado?

You can easily boost protein content by adding roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken. Both options pair nicely with the flavors of this salad.

Is this Carrot Arugula Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until serving so that everything stays fresh and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Its versatility makes it perfect as a light lunch or an impressive side dish. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences by adding proteins or changing up ingredients! Give it a try and enjoy this delicious blend today!

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Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese, and Avocado

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese, and Avocado. This delightful dish harmoniously blends the sweetness of figs, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all atop a bed of peppery arugula. Whether served as a refreshing lunch or a stunning side for dinner, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. With options to grill or roast the carrots, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Plus, the homemade maple tahini dressing adds a luscious finish that ties all the flavors together. Enjoy this versatile recipe that’s perfect for meal prep and will keep well in your fridge for days!

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large carrots
• 5 ounces baby arugula
• ¾ cup dried fig halves
• ⅓ cup walnut halves
• ⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles
• 1 avocado
• Maple tahini dressing (tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic powder)

Instructions

1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F.
2. Cut carrots vertically and season with avocado oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 15-25 minutes or roast for 30 minutes until tender.
4. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes.
5. Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
6. In a large bowl, layer arugula, grilled carrots, figs, walnuts, goat cheese, and avocado.
7. Drizzle with dressing before serving.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling/Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute goat cheese with feta or cream cheese if desired. Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it heartier.