Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad with Strawberries and Basil

Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad

When I first developed this watermelon goat cheese salad recipe, I thought I would have too many intense flavors in one salad. Arugula is flavorful in its own right. Sauerkraut is also full of umami and sour flavors. Goat cheese can be quite earthy and funky, too.

Somehow, someway, these intense flavors pair phenomenally with one another. The watermelon and strawberries lighten everything up. Also, the honey mustard dressing adds a bit of sweetness that balances it out.

My husband, Jon, doesn’t like watermelon, but he immediately loved this salad.

Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing

I love everything about this salad, but this homemade honey mustard dressing ties it together. It’s simple to make too. You only need four ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Once you whisk together the dressing, you can add salt and pepper to taste.

Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula and Sauerkraut

I know; it sounds like an intense and strange flavor combination. But I swear it’s one of the best salads ever. It’s also fantastic for gut health!

This salad is extremely hydrating, full of fiber, and packed with probiotics. Arugula, the main ingredient, contains many B vitamins and more vitamin C than an orange.

The best sauerkraut to use in this recipe is homemade sauerkraut, and I suggest one of these:

• Roasted Jalapeno Sauerkraut with Dill and Garlic
• How to Make Old Fashioned Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds
• Roasted Garlic Sauerkraut with Black Pepper

Also, you can use store-bought sauerkraut in this salad. If you want to use store-bought sauerkraut, make sure it’s raw and from the refrigerated section for the best gut health benefits.

Adding Protein to Sauerkraut Arugula Salad

This salad is quite nutritious, but you can add protein for a more balanced meal. It’s delicious with grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken added in.

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Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad with Strawberries and Basil

Made with fresh arugula, watermelon, strawberries, goat cheese, pistachios, and honey mustard dressing, this watermelon goat cheese salad is the most delicious and refreshing meal for any warm day.

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• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

• 6 cups arugula
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup roasted pistachios
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (dressing)
• 1 tablespoon honey (dressing)
• 1 tablespoon fermented Dijon mustard (dressing)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (dressing)
• Salt, to taste (dressing)
• Black pepper, to taste (dressing)

Instructions

1. Wash and drain the berries, and slice the watermelon.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
3. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the honey mustard dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve as is, or pair with grilled chicken.

Kaitlynn Fenley Food Microbiologist and Fermentation Specialist

Kaitlynn is a Food Microbiologist and FSPCA-certified fermentation specialist. An alumna of the LSU College of Science, she combines her academic background in microbiology with her Cajun heritage to create safe and delicious recipes.

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