Right here’s the only salad you’ll ever make! This simple arugula salad comes collectively in minutes. You don’t even must make a dressing!
There’s a spot for making recipes like sourdough bread and a Margherita Pizza with selfmade dough. However relating to facet dishes, I need simple. This straightforward arugula salad is kind of probably the best salad you’ll make.
This straightforward arugula salad has grow to be my go-to facet dish as a result of it requires zero precise cooking abilities, comes collectively in underneath 10 minutes, and in some way manages to style like one thing you’d order at a restaurant. The key? Excessive-quality substances and the proper stability of peppery greens, vivid lemon, and nutty Parmesan.
5 star reader evaluate
“I like your recipes! This salad is SO simple and scrumptious. I’ve taken it to so many potlucks and it will get wolfed up very quickly. I make it usually for myself.” -Susan
Key substances for arugula salad
The substances on this arugula salad are easy; you’ll simply want to ensure they’re prime quality. Right here’s what you want for this simple salad:
- Child arugula: Child arugula has a feathery texture and a gentle taste. Keep away from commonplace arugula, which is way too robust.
- Shallot: Shallot provides a nuanced onion taste.
- Olive oil and lemon juice: These make a fast, makeshift dressing. You’ll want an actual lemon, so skip the pretend juice. I like so as to add zest if I’ve time!
- Parmesan cheese shavings: For fast prep, purchase Parmesan that’s already lower into shavings – or you’ll be able to shave your personal from a big block.
Why child arugula makes all of the distinction
For those who take away one factor right here, keep in mind this: this recipe solely works for those who use child arugula. Utilizing common arugula (the type often bought in bunches) doesn’t make the identical dish. Right here’s the distinction:
- Child arugula has tender, feathery leaves with a gentle peppery taste that provides curiosity with out overwhelming your palate. The feel is delicate and nearly melts in your mouth.
- Common arugula has a lot thicker stems and a intense, typically bitter taste that may dominate the complete salad. The leaves are harder and require extra chewing. It’s usually bought as a bunch.
You’ll find child arugula in a number of mainstream groceries and famer’s markets within the U.S. As a rule of thumb, if it’s bought as a bunch, keep away. Use the newborn greens which are bought in packages or baggage. If you find yourself with leftover arugula, you can also make a batch of arguula pesto or throw it into different inexperienced salads.
Lemon zesting suggestions
Rising up, actual lemons weren’t ever in our home. However now that I run my very own kitchen, they’re a mainstay on the counter! Actual lemon juice can’t be replicated by lemon juice in a bottle.
In case you have time, add the zest of 1 half lemon to the combination. The very best method to zest a lemon is utilizing a microplane grater, which makes fast work of it.
Substitutions and variations
This salad works extraordinarily effectively with a thinly sliced, crisp tart apple. I adore it a lot that means that I included this as a recipe in Alex and my newest cookbook.
It additionally works nice with sliced roasted beets in an arugula beet salad. You may also attempt including toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds, and even sliced cherry tomatoes. Nevertheless, I’ve realized to withstand the temptation so as to add too many extras right here; this salad’s magic comes from its restraint.
Methods to serve this simple arugula salad
This arugula salad is so traditional and easy, it goes with nearly each vibe of meals. It’s particularly good alongside Italian recipes, Mediterranean meals, or as a facet for soup. Listed below are just a few methods to serve it:
Storage and make-ahead suggestions
Whereas this salad is greatest loved contemporary, I’ve realized just a few tips for storing leftovers:
Fridge storage: In case you have leftovers (which hardly ever occurs at my home!), retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days. The arugula will wilt, however it’s nonetheless completely edible.
Make-ahead tip: You possibly can prep the shallots and Parmesan shavings as much as a day forward and retailer them individually. Don’t costume the arugula till simply earlier than serving, because the acid within the lemon juice will trigger the leaves to wilt.
Dietary notes
This arugula salad is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use vegan Parmesan.
Simple Arugula Salad
Right here’s the only salad you’ll ever make! This simple arugula salad is fool-proof: you don’t even must make dressing. It comes collectively in minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook dinner Time: 0 minutes
- Whole Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to eight 1x
- Class: Salad
- Methodology: Uncooked
- Delicacies: Italian
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese shavings (about 1.5 ounces)*
- 1 small shallot
- 8 cups (5 ounces) child arugula (don’t use commonplace arugula, often bought in bunches)
- 2 tablespoons further virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher saltplus extra to style
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice + zest of ½ lemon
- If essential, shave the Parmesan cheese with a vegetable peeler.
- Thinly slice shallot.
- In massive bowl, place the newborn arugula, olive oil, lemon zest (non-obligatory), lemon juice, and kosher salt.
- Use your fingers to toss every little thing so it’s evenly coated.
- Add the Parmesan shavings and shallot and toss for just a few seconds till mixed.
- Style and add extra salt if desired.
Extra arugula recipes to attempt
Are a fan of this nutritious inexperienced? Listed below are just a few extra recipes that use it:
