Venison Burger over Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Avocado, and Mustard Vinaigrette

Recipes
Venison Burger over Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Avocado, and Mustard Vinaigrette

Venison Burgers over Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Avocado, and Mustard Vinaigrette – It’s a lean, flavor-packed twist on your classic burger night. Fab Four-style, for max satisfaction and blood sugar balance. 

This Venison Burger Over Arugula Salad pairs juicy, spice-rubbed venison burgers with peppery greens and all the creamy textures from goat cheese and avocado – tied together with a tangy mustard vinaigrette.

It’s comfort food meets nutrient density. 

Why Venison? – Benefits of Venison Meat

Venison is one of the most underrated protein sources – and it deserves a spot on your table.

Unique benefits of venison:

  • Lean but nutrient-dense – Lower in fat than beef, yet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
  • Omega-3 friendly – Grass-fed wild venison contains higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed meats.
  • Blood sugar support – High-protein meals slow the release of glucose into your bloodstream, helping you stay energized and avoid that post-meal crash.
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced – When wild-harvested or from regenerative farms, venison has a lower environmental footprint than conventional beef.

The Fab Four in Action

This dish is a perfect example of how protein, fat, fiber, and greens work together to balance blood sugar, keep cravings at bay, and promote satiety.

  • Protein – Venison brings 25-30 grams of high-quality protein per serving, fueling muscle repair, hormone production, and steady energy.
  • Fat – Avocado and olive oil from the vinaigrette deliver healthy monounsaturated fats, while goat cheese adds a touch of satiating dairy fat. Fats slow digestion, helping you feel full longer.
  • Fiber – Arugula and avocado offer fiber that supports digestion, slows carbohydrate absorption, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • Greens – Peppery arugula isn’t just flavor – it’s loaded with phytonutrients, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support detoxification and cardiovascular health.

This Fab Four combo makes for a meal that’s as functional as it is flavorful.

The Powerful Health Benefits of Arugula

Arugula isn’t just a garnish – it’s a leafy green with big health benefits.

  • Detox-supportive – Rich in glucosinolates, compounds that support liver detox pathways.
  • Bone health – High in vitamin K, essential for calcium regulation and bone density.
  • Digestive support – The slight bitterness in arugula stimulates digestive enzymes, priming your body for optimal nutrient absorption.

Plus, that peppery bite pairs perfectly with creamy goat cheese and rich venison.

Make It Your Way:

  • Swap the goat cheese for feta or omit for a dairy-free version.
  • Add roasted sweet potatoes on the side for extra complex carbs if you need more fuel.
  • Use bison, grass-fed beef, or turkey if venison isn’t available.

Final Tips for Best Flavor

  • Let your barbecue rub shine by not overpowering it with too much salt.
  • Grill onions just until golden and soft; caramelization brings out the sweetness.
  • Serve with wedges of lemon alongside for extra brightness and a pop of fresh flavor, if you like.

Enjoy your fresh, flavorful, and healthy barbecue-inspired venison burger salad!

  • Prep Time

    2 minutes

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

  • Servings

    3-4

  • Freezer Friendly

    No

Ingredients

For the Venison Burgers:

  • 1 lb ground venison
  • 1 to 1 ½ tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tbsp barbecue rub (here’s my favorite)
  • Olive oil (for grilling)
  • Goat cheese (about 2 oz, crumbled or sliced)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced 

For the Arugula Salad:

  • 4 cups baby arugula

For the Mustard Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 heaping tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 heaping tsp Dijon, and salt and pepper to taste until emulsified. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground venison, salt, garlic powder, and barbecue rub until just mixed. Form into 3-4 patties, handling as little as possible for tenderness. Lightly oil the grill grates and preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high.
  3. Cook burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness (venison is lean, so medium-rare to medium is ideal). Just before pulling off the grill, lay goat cheese on each patty so it softens slightly. Or, if you like it crumbed, wait and top your salad with it. 
  4. In a pan, on low heat slowly sauté your onions for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
  5. Toss arugula gently with mustard vinaigrette. Plate in shallow bowls or on large individual plates. 
  6. Place a burger on top of a salad bed. Top with grilled onions, sliced avocado, and extra goat cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.