The Best Arugula Salad Recipe
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Arugula’s peppery bite is enhanced by a simple lemon vinaigrette and mellowed with aged Parmesan cheese in this classic Italian arugula salad recipe.
Sometimes we overthink salads. We add this and that until the list of ingredients is a page long. I read a long time ago that ideally a salad shouldn’t ever have more than five ingredients. That statement has kind of stuck with me through the years although I admit that many of my salads have a lot more than five ingredients.
But there is a place for simple salads where each ingredient shines. Meet this classic arugula salad: arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Parmesan cheese. Add a little salt and freshly ground black pepper and that’s it! Think of it as the little black dress of salads.
Simple and stunning.
About Arugula
Arugula is a member of the cruciferous family, and is a cold weather crop. Look for it in the spring and fall. Originally grown as an herb, arugula has a mild peppery bite, almost spicy in flavor. You may know it as “rocket” or “Italian cress” — actually, there are several different names. Arugula is packed with nutrients, phytochemicals, and fiber, and has lots of health benefits.
About this arugula salad:
It’s so easy! Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Add arugula and toss until well coated. Stir in Parmesan cheese, or plate the salad and garnish with Parmesan. That’s it!
So fresh and simple, this arugula salad with lemon is the perfect accompaniment to most meals. Try it with the herb marinated lamb chops you’ll see here next week. It’s perfect with oven baked breaded pork chops, air fryer chicken thighs, or lemon salmon with dill.
You’ll love it served on a simple pizza. Simply spread a layer of arugula salad over the pizza right after you take it out of the oven. Try it on grilled pizza with pesto and tomatoes. Try this cheesy pizza from The Garlic Diaries. The combination of warm crispy pizza crust, melty cheese, garlic, and the bright lemony tang of arugula salad is serendipity.
What’s in a classic arugula salad?
- Arugula, clean and dry
- Olive oil: since this is such a simple salad, make sure to use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed from one lemon
- Honey — optional, but we like just a little sweetness to balance the tangy lemon and spicy arugula. You could also use agave. Omit it for a keto diet.
- Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Parmesan cheese, very thinly sliced or shaved
How to make this arugula salad recipe your own:
Keep in mind that additions to this salad may detract from its simple goodness. If you do want to embellish your salad, try limiting yourself to one or two items. Think of it as jewelry with the little black dress.
- Add other vegetables such as sliced radishes, peppers, red onions, tomatoes, etc.
- Add sliced fruit, such as strawberries in the spring, sliced pears or apples in the fall, or dried fruits any time at all.
- A sprinkling of fresh herbs is nice, too.
- Use a different green if you prefer. Spinach, leaf lettuce, or romaine would be great.
- Substitute goat cheese, blue cheese, or gorgonzola for the Parmesan.
- The simple lemon vinaigrette is classic but you can top the salad with any dressing you like. I have lots of homemade salad dressing recipes for you! Homemade croutons are delicious too.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
This salad is best served immediately once the ingredients are combined because the arugula wilts somewhat after it’s dressed. It will still taste great but won’t look quite as attractive.
Make ahead: Prepare dressing, wash and dry arugula, and shave the Parmesan cheese up to a day ahead. Store components of the salad separately in the fridge and combine right before serving.
Simple salad serendipity
Alliteration aside (almost), if you’re looking for more salad ideas, I’ve got you covered. Try:
- Panzanella Salad Recipe — another classic Italian salad
- Asparagus Panzanella Salad
- Vinegar Coleslaw (no mayonnaise) — this salad keeps well in the fridge.
- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe — a homestyle favorite.
- Citrus Salad with Mint, Honey and Lime
- Fattoush Salad Recipe
- Kale Salad with Avocado and Cumin Lime Dressing
- Asparagus Ribbon Salad with Beets & Burrata
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. (5 oz.) baby arugula, washed and dried (4 to 5 cups)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 2 ounces shaved Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
Instructions
- In large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Add arugula and toss until coated. Lightly stir in Parmesan cheese or garnish salad with cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad is best served immediately once the ingredients are combined because the arugula wilts somewhat after it's dressed.
- Make ahead: Prepare dressing, wash and dry arugula, and shave the Parmesan cheese up to a day ahead. Store components of the salad separately in the fridge and combine right before serving.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Kris says
Loved this! It was light, easy, and flavorful. The picture shows lemon zest, but it was not listed in the ingredients. How much would you recommend adding? Thank you!
Rachel Gurk says
I would just add a sprinkle to taste. It’s fairly lemony without it and we put that on mostly for appearance. ;) I’d start with 1/4 teaspoon especially if you’re grating it more finely than what is pictured. Then you can increase it if you want it more lemony.
Sharon says
I made this to go with a Fettuccine Alfredo Tortellini soup.It was so good.Light and fresh.Also made a Braided Bread to go with.
My guests loved the whole meal.
Rachel Gurk says
Sounds like such a delicious meal! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it means so much to me!
Lenore S says
I wanted a quick and easy salad to round out my Dijon Mustard Salmon and baked sweet potato dinner. It was exactly what I was looking for because my husband only likes Spinach and Lettuce from the leafy greens family. I added quartered cherry tomatoes and Bleu cheese crumbles. Dinner was a win-win. I can see this salad being varied with mandarins, almonds and orange juice. I intend to put this salad in my regular rotation.
Rachel Gurk says
So happy to hear you liked it! It’s definitely a great salad to build upon or adapt. Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback!
Maria L says
I made this salad for the first time on July 4th and it was enjoyed by all. My husband liked it so much, he asked for it again with tonight’s dinner. Very enjoyable!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it means a lot to me!
Erika says
Made this for the first time last week, and I’ve made it again three times since. So simple, yet so delicious. Even the men who are salad “averse” love this. Thank you for sharing.
Rachel Gurk says
Ahh that makes me so happy! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Sandy Swiatek says
I made this and it is delicious. I am making again tomorrow for company. Thanks for another great recipe.
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, it truly means so much to me.
denise says
sounds light and perfect
Rachel Gurk says
It really is! Thanks Denise!