Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
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When you need some fresh greens in a hurry, this Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing is the ticket! With hunks of shaved Parmesan and a bright lemon vinaigrette, this salad is the perfect way to add a pop of flavor to egg dishes, meats, and even pizza!
A Simple Arugula Side Salad to Add to Everything
Table of Contents
After wondering for years how the quiche at our favorite cozy brunch spot could be that good or why the pizza at the hole-in-the-wall joint hit different, I realized there was a surprising common denominator between both of them.
At both restaurants, the dishes were served with a pile of arugula, dressed simply with something tangy and just barely sweet. And in both cases, the arugula elevated the dish to a new level, providing a bright pop of citrus to contrast with the richness of an egg custard or a peppery bite to accent the decadent strings of melted cheese.
So of course, I decided to try the same trick at home, mixing up a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing, and proceeding to serve it with pretty much every dish under the sun.
Sure enough, this recipe made nearly everything better. Piling it on top of a Ham and Cheese Frittata instantly transported me to an upscale cafe. Serving it alongside Chicken Margherita made for the perfect summer dinner. It cut through the richness of a Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta or Sous Vide Filet Mignon with ease, making both dishes better in the process.
This salad can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes and is made with common ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a simple salad to serve with dinner tonight or something green and fresh to add to your next brunch gathering, this Arugula Salad is a winner.
Key Ingredients
- Arugula– This green is sturdy and a little peppery, so it stands up well to heavier dishes, even if it’s used on top of warm foods. That said, the lemon vinaigrette is also lovely on mixed greens.
- Lemon juice– This is what brings all the bright citrus flavors we’re looking for. Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled.
- Olive oil– Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil that you enjoy the taste of, since it’ll feature prominently in the dressing.
- White wine vinegar– I tested the salad dressing both with and without added vinegar, and I preferred it with. All you need is a splash to add just the right amount of tang. Sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar can also work.
- Honey– A touch of sweetness rounds out the tartness of the vinaigrette.
- Parmesan cheese– I like to shave off big hunks of Parmesan cheese, but you could also grate or shred it. This cheese slicer works great for shaved Parmesan!
- Sliced almonds– This is 100% optional, but I love adding roasted, sliced almonds for a little crunch. To roast, toss them in a dry pan over medium heat and heat until slightly browned and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. You could also substitute walnuts or pine nuts.
How to Make Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
Step 1: Make lemon dressing. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and honey. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Toss together. In a large bowl, toss together the arugula and lemon dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan and roasted sliced almonds. Serve.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
- The lemon dressing can be made up to 1 week ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Allow to come to room temperature, then shake or whisk well to reincorporate.
- Because arugula is a pretty hearty green, you can keep leftover salad in a sealed container in the fridge for 1-2 days. It will be slightly less lively leftover, but won’t wilt completely.
- If you’re packing arugula salad for lunch, put the dressing on the bottom of the container and the arugula on top, so it stays nice and crisp.
What to Serve with Arugula Salad
As mentioned above, this arugula salad pairs well with all kinds of dishes–from brunch to dinner! Here are a few to try.
- Egg dishes, like Leek and Mushroom Quiche or Crustless Quiche Lorraine.
- Pastas, especially pastas with a cream sauce like Creamy Salmon Linguine and Creamy Shrimp Pappardelle.
- Pizza! We recommend our Caprese Pizza.
- Meaty main dishes, including recipes like Panko Crusted Chicken Piccata, Marinated Skirt Steak, and Skillet Pork Chops with Tomato Shallot Sauce.
- Soup– Have a soup and salad moment with our Creamy Chicken Sausage Soup, Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, or Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
- Sandwiches– Pile this arugula salad on top of a Caprese Panini, Portobello Mushroom Sandwich, or Grilled Skirt Steak Sandwich.
More Arugula Recipes to Try
Got leftover arugula? Use it up in these other recipes!
- Parmesan Lemon Linguine with Arugula
- Brie Cheese Sandwiches
- Apple Fennel Salad with Goat Cheese
- Grilled Peach Salad with Prosciutto
- Smoked Salmon Egg Salad Sandwiches
Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups arugula (about two large handfuls)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 small lemon)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
Prepare the vinaigrette.
- In a measuring cup or mason jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and honey. Shake or whisk well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Toss the salad.
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the prepared dressing, shaved Parmesan, and toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Store in the fridge, then bring to room temperature and shake well to reincorporate.
- To quickly toast almonds, toss them in a dry pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant, 2-4 minutes.
- This recipe is designed to be easy to make, even without measuring. Combine equal parts lemon juice and olive oil, a splash of vinegar, squirt of honey, and season to taste. Toss with a few handfuls of arugula and as much or as little Parmesan and almonds as you like (we like a lot!).