Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing

This Simple Arugula Salad is made with peppery arugula, fresh basil, parsley, parmesan shavings, and a zesty lemon-balsamic dressing. A quick, fresh, and flavorful side dish ready in just 10 minutes.

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest. This Simple Arugula Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that comes together in just minutes but tastes like something you’d order at a café. With peppery arugula, fragrant herbs, salty parmesan shavings, and a zesty lemon-balsamic dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

It’s light enough to serve as a starter but satisfying enough to pair with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or pasta for a complete meal. This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it’s easy, elegant, and endlessly versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes, no cooking required.

• Fresh & Flavorful: Uses simple ingredients with bold impact.

• Healthy: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and heart-healthy fats.

• Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or summer picnics.

• Restaurant-Quality: Feels gourmet without the fuss.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this salad shine:

1. Arugula (5 oz)

Arugula (also known as rocket) has a distinctive peppery bite that adds freshness and energy to the salad. It’s rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium, making it both delicious and nutritious.

2. Parmesan Shavings (⅓ cup)

Instead of grated parmesan, large shavings give this salad elegance and texture. Parmesan provides a salty, nutty depth that balances the tangy dressing.

3. Parsley (¼ cup, chopped)

Fresh parsley adds brightness and a touch of earthiness. It also boosts the nutritional value with antioxidants and vitamin A.

4. Basil (¼ cup, chopped)

Sweet basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet note that pairs beautifully with arugula’s pepperiness. Always use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.

5. Lemon Juice (from ½ lemon)

Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds tang and freshness to the dressing. It also keeps the salad feeling light and zesty.

6. Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp)

Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the peppery arugula and salty parmesan. Using a good-quality balsamic makes all the difference.

7. Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

A silky extra virgin olive oil ties the dressing together with richness. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

8. Salt (½ tsp) & Pepper (¼ tsp)

The final seasonings that bring out every flavor in the salad. Use flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for the best results.

Recipe Card

Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 5 oz arugula

• ⅓ cup parmesan shavings

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing:

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, parsley, and basil.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour dressing over the greens and toss until well coated.

4. Top with parmesan shavings.

5. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil make this salad pop. Avoid dried herbs here.

• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing right before serving to prevent soggy greens.

• Parmesan Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to make wide shavings for the most appealing presentation.

• Upgrade the Dressing: Add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard for a different twist.

• Serve Immediately: Arugula wilts quickly once dressed, so this salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Variations

• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier meal.

• Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds for texture.

• Caprese-Style: Mix in cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.

• Grain Bowl: Toss with quinoa or farro for a more filling salad.

• Citrus Twist: Swap lemon for orange juice and zest for a sweeter profile.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is as healthy as it is delicious:

• Arugula: Low in calories but high in vitamins and antioxidants.

• Parmesan: Provides calcium and protein in small amounts.

• Herbs: Basil and parsley bring detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer: Serve before a pasta or seafood dish.

• Side Salad: Complements roasted meats or grilled dishes beautifully.

• Lunch: Pair with crusty bread or a sandwich.

• Brunch: Perfect alongside quiche or frittata.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Greens: Prep and wash the greens ahead of time, but store separately from dressing.

• Dressing: Make up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in a small jar. Shake before using.

• Fully Assembled: Best eaten fresh. If storing, keep dressing separate until serving.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Dish

This Simple Arugula Salad is proof that fresh ingredients can create incredible flavor with very little effort. The peppery bite of arugula, the fragrant herbs, the nutty parmesan, and the bright dressing all combine into a salad that feels light yet satisfying.

It’s quick enough for a weekday but beautiful enough for a holiday table. Whether you enjoy it as a starter, side, or light lunch, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing

This Simple Arugula Salad is made with peppery arugula, fresh basil, parsley, parmesan shavings, and a zesty lemon-balsamic dressing. A quick, fresh, and flavorful side dish ready in just 10 minutes.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

• 5 oz arugula
• ⅓ cup parmesan shavings
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Dressing:
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, parsley, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the greens and toss until well coated.
4. Top with parmesan shavings.
5. Serve immediately.

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🥗✨ Ready to bring freshness to your table? Try this Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing today and enjoy a dish that’s as easy as it is elegant. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me — I’d love to see how you make it part of your meal!