Description
A fresh and vibrant Italian-inspired Arugula Salad featuring peppery arugula leaves tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and optional toasted nuts for added crunch. Perfect as a light starter or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 5 cups fresh arugula
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Arugula: In a large bowl, place the fresh arugula leaves and set aside to prepare the dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the arugula and toss gently to ensure all leaves are coated with the vinaigrette.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the salad. If using, add the toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and crisp texture. It works wonderfully as a light side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- For a sweeter twist, add thinly sliced pears or apples to the salad.
- If shaved Parmesan is unavailable, grated Parmesan can be used sparingly to maintain balanced flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh as overdressing and storing may wilt the arugula.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
