Fresh Arugula Salad is an easy side salad that is perfect for any meal. It only has six ingredients and is full of fresh flavors. The bright lemon arugula salad dressing pairs great with the arugula, juicy tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
When I want an easy side dish, this arugula salad recipe is the one I like to make. It’s so easy and goes with practically any main dish. We make it for weeknight dinners, but it’s great for holiday meals, too.
What is Arugula Salad?
It’s a salad made with fresh arugula, which has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. My favorite way to make this salad is with ingredients that highlight the fresh arugula and balance its bitterness. Sweet tomatoes, a tangy lemon dressing, and salty Parmesan cheese are the perfect complement to the fresh greens.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Arugula
- Chopped Roma tomatoes
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Arugula Salad
Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Or, combine the dressing ingredients in a small jar, secure the lid, and shake to combine.
Once you’ve made the dressing give it a taste – if it needs more salt or pepper, add it and mix again.
Place the arugula and tomatoes in a large serving bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss to coat the salad evenly. Top the salad with the shaved Parmesan, and it’s ready to serve.
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Recipe Tips
You can easily double or triple this recipe, depending on how many people you are serving.
If you want to make it a little easier, you can make the dressing two days in advance. It will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Or, if you want to save a few minutes of prep time, use a prepared dressing like a lemon vinaigrette, red wine vinaigrette, or balsamic dressing. It’s best to use a lighter dressing, so it doesn’t weigh down the arugula.
Sometimes we make this a main dish salad and add grilled or roasted chicken. You can also add some croutons or serve it with crusty bread on the side.
Main Dish Ideas
The flavors in this simple arugula salad go with so many main dishes. Here are a few we like:
Fresh, light, and delicious. This easy arugula salad will be a go-to recipe at your house, just like it is at ours. I hope you enjoy it!
Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- Salad
- 5- ounce package Arugula washed and dried
- 2 Roma Tomatoes chopped
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese shaved
- Dressing
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small jar you can seal (or a small bowl), mix in olive oil, lemon juice salt and pepper. Seal jar and shake to combine. Taste and add pepper if needed.
- In a large bowl, add Arugula, tomatoes and toss with the dressing. Add shaved parmesan on top and serve.
Recipe Nutrition
This is the perfect side salad, but you can also add any other ingredients to it for a heartier, more custom salad!