Blackberry Goat Cheese Salad
Fall may be the season of cozy stews and pumpkin everything, but let’s not forget that salads still deserve a spot on the table! My Blackberry Goat Cheese Salad is the perfect way to bridge the gap between summer’s light flavors and fall’s more decadent, heartier dishes. While blackberries may remind you of sunny days, this salad brings a refreshing, vibrant bite to any autumn meal—making it an ideal side for all those roasts, soups, and casseroles you’ll be cooking up.
Arugula adds that peppery bite that makes this salad anything but ordinary. Its slightly bitter notes balance the sweetness of the berries, and it’s heartier than summer lettuces, holding up well against richer ingredients like goat cheese and pistachios.
With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, goat cheese adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the blackberries. As the weather cools, goat cheese’s soft, earthy flavor feels more comforting, grounding the salad in autumnal richness.
Blackberries in the fall? Absolutely! While berries are typically a summer treat, blackberries in early fall are still juicy and plump, providing bursts of sweetness that balance the stronger flavors. They’re like little jewels in your salad, making every bite a sweet surprise.
Shelled pistachios bring both texture and flavor. Their buttery, nutty taste pairs perfectly with the goat cheese's softness and the arugula's slight bitterness. Plus, their green hue adds a beautiful pop of color that feels right at home in a fall dish.
Thinly sliced red onion gives a crisp bite and a bit of sharpness. The onion’s subtle spiciness livens up the salad and adds an extra layer of complexity, perfect for the cooler months.
Drizzling balsamic glaze over the salad adds a rich sweetness and deepens the fall flavors. The tangy vinegar and thick, syrupy texture feel right at home in autumn, adding warmth to the dish. A touch of high-quality extra virgin olive oil ties everything together, making each bite a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy.
Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party or looking for a quick but elegant lunch, this salad fits the bill. It’s a great way to bring freshness to your table while leaning into the cozy, rich flavors of fall. Pair it with roasted chicken or a creamy butternut squash soup, and you’ve got a seasonal meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Blackberry Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, add the fresh arugula. Gently scatter the fresh blackberries, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and thinly sliced red onion over the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad, followed by the extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy!
