Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Arugula Salad is incredibly easy to make, yet bursting with flavor. The peppery arugula leaves pair wonderfully with ingredients like sweet fruit, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressings. It’s a healthy option packed with vitamins and minerals, and you can customize it to suit your tastes by adding your favorite toppings. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing salad to accompany a main course or a light lunch on its own, this arugula salad is a perfect choice. Plus, it can be made in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh arugula (washed and dried)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese, optional)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
1/2 small cucumber, sliced (optional)
Fresh lemon juice, for dressing

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts (if using). Add the cucumber if you’re using it for extra crunch.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the arugula mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve: Serve immediately as a light side dish or add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or other protein to make it a more substantial meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4 servings (depending on portion size)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add Fruit: For a sweet contrast, add slices of fresh fruit like pears, apples, or strawberries. Dried cranberries or raisins are also great additions.
Make It Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a vegan dressing.
Add Protein: Make the salad a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, salmon, chickpeas, or quinoa for an extra protein boost.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for an added kick.
Cheese Options: Swap feta for goat cheese, blue cheese, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Arugula salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Dress the salad just before serving.
Freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients and delicate arugula leaves. It’s best to prepare and serve fresh.
Reheating: If you’re adding protein to the salad (like grilled chicken), you can reheat it gently before serving, but it’s best to avoid reheating the salad itself, as the arugula will wilt.

FAQs

Can I use baby arugula instead of regular arugula?

Yes, baby arugula has a milder flavor and a more tender texture. You can use it interchangeably with regular arugula in this recipe.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving. However, you can prepare the vegetables, cheese, and nuts in advance. Store them separately, and combine them with the dressing just before serving.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to switch up the dressing. A simple lemon vinaigrette, olive oil with a splash of balsamic, or even a tahini-based dressing would pair well with arugula.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

This salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of the bread or croutons you add as toppings and choose gluten-free options if needed.

Can I use nuts other than pine nuts or walnuts?

Yes! Almonds, pecans, or even cashews would work well in this salad. Toasting the nuts adds extra flavor and crunch, but you can skip this step if you prefer.

Can I add roasted vegetables to the salad?

Yes! Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, or bell peppers would be a wonderful addition to this salad. Just allow them to cool before adding them to the fresh arugula.

Can I use a different vinegar for the dressing?

Yes, you can use other types of vinegar like red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even white wine vinegar, depending on your flavor preferences.

Conclusion

Arugula Salad is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. With its peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, tangy dressing, and crunchy nuts, it’s a satisfying salad that pairs well with a variety of meals. Whether served as a side dish, a light lunch, or topped with protein for a main course, this salad is sure to please any palate. Fresh, nutritious, and packed with flavor, Arugula Salad is an ideal addition to any meal!

Arugula Salad

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Arugula Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish combining the peppery flavor of arugula with sweet fruits, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts, topped with a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light side or a refreshing meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: undefined
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Instructions

In a large bowl, add the fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts (if using). Add the cucumber if you’re using it for extra crunch.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the arugula mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately as a light side dish or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or other protein to make it a more substantial meal.

Notes

Feel free to add fresh fruit such as pears, apples, or strawberries for a sweet contrast.
For a vegan version, skip the cheese and use maple syrup for the dressing.
For added protein, top with grilled chicken, salmon, chickpeas, or quinoa.
For some spice, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Swap feta for goat cheese, blue cheese, or parmesan for different flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg