This simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is topped with shaved Parmesan and ready in about 5 minutes. It’s a fresh, delicious choice that pairs well with a variety of proteins.
Looking for more simple, healthy salad recipes? More great choices include my Summer Corn Salad and Chickpea Salad with Cucumbers and Tomatoes.
There’s something beautiful about the simplicity of this Arugula Salad. The peppery taste of the arugula pairs nicely with the tangy kick of the lemon vinaigrette. And, the shaved Parmesan adds a rich, savory element that brings everything together. This combination of flavors hits all the right notes for me.
What I like most is how fast and easy it is to make – just a few quality ingredients that work perfectly together without any fuss.
Table of contents
Ingredients
- Arugula: Look for fresh baby arugula with bright green leaves and avoid arugula with wilting, or yellowing leaves.
- Lemon vinaigrette: This bright, lemony dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and a little sea salt.
- Parmesan cheese: Use a vegetable peeler to get nice shavings from a block of good quality Parmesan for the best result. You don’t want to skimp and use pre-shredded or pre-shaved Parmesan for this recipe.
What is the Difference Between Arugula and Baby Arugula?
Baby arugula has smaller, more tender leaves with a milder flavor compared to mature arugula, which has larger, more pungent leaves. The milder flavor of baby arugula is better for pairing with the bright, citrusy lemon dressing in this recipe.
How to Make Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon vinaigrette ingredients.
- Place the arugula in a medium bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss with a little salt and garnish it with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Variations
While delicious in its most basic form, this arugula salad recipe is easy to modify, allowing you to tweak it slightly each time you serve it. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Fruit: Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, or pears for a sweet and tangy twist. Dried cranberries will add a pop of sweetness that works really well with the peppery flavor of the arugula.
Veggies: Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and more flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts like pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Creamy Avocado: Add slices of avocado to bring a smooth and buttery element to the salad.
Herbal Twist: Toss in fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
Whole Grain Boost: Mix in cooked grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous for an added fiber boost and to make the salad more substantial and satisfying.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese. Goat cheese and feta cheese are absolutely delicious paired with arugula.
How to Serve Arugula Salad
- Add Protein: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete meal. It’s delicious with Zucchini Feta Stuffed Chicken, Lemon Basil Baked Cod, or Chicken Bites. I frequently serve it along with Gluten-Free Chicken Cutlets – a perfect combination!
- Lunch Option: Pack the salad in a portable container for a nutritious and satisfying lunch option at work or on-the-go. To keep it as fresh as possible, place the dressing in a small condiment container and toss your salad just before eating.
- Brunch Addition: Include Arugula Salad as part of a brunch spread, along with dishes like quiches, frittatas, or brunch sandwiches. It’s absolutely perfect with my Caramelized Onion Tart.
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Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ lemon, juiced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey
- Pinch of sea salt, plus additional, to taste
- 3 ounces baby arugula, a little more than ½ of a 5 ounce clamshell
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan, or to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Place the arugula in a medium bowl and toss with the dressing. Season with salt, to taste. Garnish with Parmesan shavings and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home. All information provided regarding nutrition on this website is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Content related to nutrition is not medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. The website is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Before beginning any diet program, modifying your diet, or making changes to the diet of a child in your care, including following the nutrition information available on the website, you should seek advice from a licensed professional.
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