Arugula, Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

There are few food events I like more than a good old back yard barbeque.

After all the time spent working in the garden and the recent impulse purchase of a smoker, Wes and I have been dying to have some family over for some tasty morsels and time out in the yard. So, last minute we decided to pull the trigger and get some people together last Sunday.

As per my usual crazy, hours before people came over I was running around like a crazy person, prepping and cleaning and decorating. Heaven forbid I just freaking relax and enjoy a little get together.

About an hour out from party time I was feeling pretty good about everything coming together and after I finished on the bathroom I was going to call it a day and hop in the shower and get myself ready.

I was going to get myself good and ready in plenty of time and then sit and have a cocktail and enjoy the smoker and the good company. And then, as I was pulling out my last Clorox bleach wipe, there was a knock at the door.

At first, I thought Wesley was messing with me. But when I came down, there they were. The family that shall remain nameless showed up over and hour early.

Granted, this was a complete accident so who can blame them. But…. Um…. Instant panic.

How dare someone catch me off guard with out my perfect outfit in my perfectly decorated home with awesomely tasty smelling food cooking in the kitchen?

Luckily I was able to suck it up and realize how stupid it is for me to even care about those things and we all had a good laugh and a great time.

And I may not have looked perfect, and my place no doubt did not, but the food was a hit.

Bust this summer salad out and your party will be garmented success, no matter who shows up early.

You will need…

6 cups arugula

4 cups chopped watermelon

¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine the arugula, watermelon and goat cheese.

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the olive oil is warm, add in the garlic and cook until fragrant. About 1 minute.

Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and bring the liquid to a simmer. Simmer the vinegar until reduced by about 1/3^rd. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to about room temperature.

Drizzle the salad with the balsamic vinegar and garlic. Season well with salt and pepper and toss well. Top with basil and serve.

Love and Beer Floats

Angela

Arugula, Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

6 cups arugula

4 cups chopped watermelon

¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine the arugula, watermelon and goat cheese.

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the olive oil is warm, add in the garlic and cook until fragrant. About 1 minute.

Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and bring the liquid to a simmer. Simmer the vinegar until reduced by about 1/3^rd. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to about room temperature.

Drizzle the salad with the balsamic vinegar and garlic. Season well with salt and pepper and toss well. Top with basil and serve.