Why You’ll Love this Arugula Salad
Simple: Sometimes we overthink salads. I read a long time ago that ideally a salad shouldn’t ever have more than five ingredients. 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! Classy: Think of it as the little black dress of salads. Simple and stunning. Versatile: Great with any type of meat main dish, and also amazing piled atop a pizza. Read on for more ideas!
How To Make It
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! How long it takes: 10 minutes Equipment you’ll need: salad bowl Servings: 4
What to Serve with Arugula Salad
Meat Main Dish: So fresh and simple, this arugula salad with lemon is the perfect accompaniment to most meals. Try it with herb marinated lamb chops. It’s perfect with oven baked breaded pork chops, air fryer chicken thighs, or lemon salmon with dill. Pizza: 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. The combination of warm crispy pizza crust, melty cheese, garlic, and the bright lemony tang of arugula salad is serendipity.
Ways To Change It Up
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 more vegetables such as sliced radishes, peppers, red onions, tomatoes, etc. Be sure to try my spring orzo salad with asparagus and artichokes. Add sliced fruit, such as strawberries in the spring, sliced pears or apples in the fall, or dried fruits any time at all. Top with fresh herbs, such as sliced basil, chopped parsley, cilantro leaves, dill, or lemon balm. Use a different green. If you’re not a fan of arugula, spinach, leaf lettuce, or romaine are good alternatives. Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or gorgonzola instead of the Parmesan. Use any dressing you like. The simple lemon vinaigrette is classic but you can top the salad with any homemade salad dressing (or purchased salad dressing). Homemade croutons are delicious too.
Storage & 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 ideas: 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.
