This post shows you how to make an arugula salad.
Are you looking for a simple yet delicious salad that makes the perfect side? This arugula salad is a must-try, right now!
With its peppery greens, tangy vinaigrette, and customizable toppings, this recipe is a delicious salad for lunch, dinner or even brunch —whether you’re enjoying it as a side or a light main course.
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What can I add to arugula salad?
Proteins: Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, Hard-boiled eggs, Crispy Bacon or pancetta
Cheeses: Parmesan, Goats Cheese, Blue cheese, Ricotta
Fruits: Citrus Segments, Apples or Pears, Berries, Dried Fruits, Pomegranate Seeds
Aesther Cooking Pairs this recipe with
Ingredients
4 cups fresh arugula (washed and dried)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small apple or pear, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
1/4 cup candied or toasted pecans (or walnuts)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (or fresh pomegranate seeds)
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), Dijon mustard, and honey.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
Place the arugula in a large salad bowl.
Top with cherry tomatoes, sliced apple (or pear), red onion, goat cheese, pecans, and cranberries.
Dress the Salad
Add a layer of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve
Enjoy immediately as a side dish or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a main course!
Tips and Tricks
Wash and Dry Thoroughly: Rinse the arugula well and dry it completely (use a salad spinner if you have one). Wet greens can dilute your dressing and make the salad soggy.
Cut Fruit Just Before Serving: Slice apples or pears at the last minute to prevent browning. If prepping ahead, toss them with lemon juice to keep them fresh.
Emulsify the Dressing: Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice (or vinegar) together thoroughly, or shake in a sealed jar, to create a smooth, balanced dressing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the dried cranberries for fresh berries or orange slices.
- Use Parmesan shavings instead of goat cheese for a nuttier flavor.
- Add quinoa or chickpeas to make it more filling.
- Substitute the pecans with almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts.
How to Serve
Layer the Ingredients: Place heavier items like fruits and nuts on top of the arugula for a visually appealing salad.
Serve Immediately: Dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Fresh Arugula Salad
Ingredients
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small apple or pear, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
1/4 cup candied or toasted pecans (or walnuts)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (or fresh pomegranate seeds)
- 4 cups fresh arugula washed and dried
Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
- Place the arugula in a large salad bowl.
- Top with cherry tomatoes, sliced apple (or pear), red onion, goat cheese, pecans, and cranberries.
Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine.
Serve
- Enjoy immediately as a side dish or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a main course!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but with adjustments: Assemble and toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. Prep and store the arugula, toppings, and dressing separately.
Q: What protein can I add to make it more filling?
A: Popular options include: Quinoa or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Hard-boiled eggs or poached eggs
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 9–10g
- Fats: 17g
This arugula salad is the perfect addition to your next lunch, brunch or even breakfast. Perfect for when you’re looking for a delicious, refreshing complementary side.
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This post shows you how to make an arugula salad.
