Fried Goat Cheese Arugula Salad with Strawberry-Basil Vinaigrette

Servings: 6

For the Fried Goat Cheese Bites:

• 1 1/2 cups Cornflakes, finely crushed
• 1 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp. Fine Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Paprika
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 8 oz. Goat Cheese, sit at room temperature for 20 minutes
• 2-3 tbsp. Olive Oil, or neutral oil of choice

For the Strawberry-Basil Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil
• 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, stems removed
• 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 tbsp. Honey
• Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

For the Arugula Salad:

• 5 cups Arugula
• Fresh Blueberries, for garnish
• Crushed Pistachios, for garnish
• Fresh Strawberries, sliced, for garnish

1. To Make the Strawberry-Basil Vinaigrette: Combine all ingredients into a high-speed blender. Pulse until smooth. If desired, you can strain the vinaigrette of any chunks or enjoy as is. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days.
2. To Make the Fried Goat Cheese: Set up your battering station with three bowls. Mix the flour and salt in the first bowl. Whisk the beaten eggs with a tablespoon of water to the second bowl. Add the finely crushed cornflakes to the third bowl.
3. Wet your fingertips with water to shape 1-2 tablespoon-sized portions of the softened goat cheese into patty-like shapes.
4. Dredge the goat cheese bites in the flour, then the beaten eggs, and then well coat in the cornflakes. Place on a plate and repeat with remaining goat cheese.
5. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to heat up 1-2 minutes, until hot.
6. Add the goat cheese bites to cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. To Assemble the Arugula Salad: In a large serving bowl, add the arugula. Top with the fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, and crushed pistachios. Top with the fried goat cheese bites. Drizzle with the strawberry-basil vinaigrette only when ready to serve or on the side to eep the goat cheese bites crispy. Enjoy!