Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a fresh, peppery dish that’s light, easy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, family meals, or a refreshing side on chilly evenings. I like to toss it together when I need something simple, healthy, and vibrant. With crisp arugula, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad comes together in minutes, making it a reliable option for busy days or casual gatherings.

a fresh arugula salad served in a

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This arugula salad is bright, flavorful, and effortless to prepare. The peppery greens paired with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing create a satisfying mix of textures in every bite. It’s versatile enough for lunches, dinners, or as a colorful side for family meals. Leftovers hold well in the fridge, and the ingredients are budget-friendly. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving a crowd, this salad balances freshness, convenience, and taste in a way that’s cozy, Pinterest-worthy, and easy to enjoy.

a fresh arugula salad served in a 1

Ingredients

Tip: Choose fresh, tender arugula leaves for the best flavor and texture.

  • 4 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: toasted nuts or seeds for topping
all arugula salad ingredients neatly arranged on

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and dry arugula leaves thoroughly. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion. Measure out feta, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and honey.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the salad sit for a few minutes so flavors meld. Sprinkle optional toasted nuts or seeds on top. Serve immediately for crisp freshness or slightly chilled for a milder flavor.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This salad comes together in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or quick meal prep. Vegetables can be chopped ahead, and dressing made in advance. It keeps well for a few hours in the fridge, so you can assemble quickly whenever you need a fresh, colorful side.

Tips & Tricks

  • Arugula Texture: Always wash and dry arugula well. Excess water can make the salad soggy and dilute the dressing.
  • Dressing Balance: Whisk ingredients fully until smooth. Tasting and adjusting acidity or sweetness ensures a perfectly balanced salad.
  • Even Chopping: Dice vegetables uniformly to create a consistent texture in every bite. Irregular pieces can make some bites overpowering.
  • Flavor Meld: Allow the salad to rest a few minutes after tossing. This lets the dressing coat leaves and veggies evenly without wilting the arugula.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey slices for a more substantial salad. Toss just before serving to keep arugula crisp.
  • Vegetarian Option: Include roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, or chickpeas for extra texture and protein without changing the fresh flavor.
  • Ingredient Swap: Replace feta with goat cheese or blue cheese, and lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

  • Light Lunch: Pair with whole-grain bread or pita for a simple, balanced meal.
  • Family Dinner Side: Serve alongside roasted chicken, fish, or pasta for a colorful addition to the plate.
  • Picnic Ready: Pack in a salad container and keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
  • Presentation Tip: Serve in a clear glass bowl with colorful vegetables layered on top for Pinterest-worthy appeal.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent wilting.
  • Reheating: Best served cold; do not heat arugula as it wilts quickly and loses texture.
  • Freezing: Not recommended; arugula loses crispness when frozen.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: Chop vegetables and prepare dressing ahead of time. Combine just before serving for maximum freshness.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 150–180 per serving
Protein: 4–6g
Key Nutrients: Vitamin K and C from arugula, calcium from feta
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portions.

FAQs

Yes, keep arugula and vegetables separate from dressing until ready to serve.

Dressing should be added just before serving to maintain crispness.

Baby spinach or mixed greens work well as alternatives.

Fresh, tender arugula is best; older leaves can be more bitter.

Up to 2 days undressed in the fridge.

Conclusion

Arugula salad is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that works for weeknight dinners, lunches, or family meals. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and quick to assemble. Customize with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or proteins to suit your taste. Once you try this peppery, tangy salad, it becomes a reliable, colorful, and satisfying addition to any meal.

Arugula Salad
Print

Arugula Salad

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

180

kcal

Arugula Salad ek fresh, light aur healthy salad hai jismein peppery arugula leaves ka taste lemon aur olive oil ke saath perfectly balance hota hai. Yeh salad quick ban jaata hai aur lunch, dinner ya side dish ke liye best choice hai.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Fresh Arugula Leaves

  • 10–12 Cherry Tomatoes (half cut)

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil

  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

  • Salt to taste

  • Black Pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (optional, shaved)

  • 1 tbsp Toasted Nuts (walnuts / almonds – optional)

Directions

  • Arugula leaves ko achhi tarah wash karke dry kar lein.
  • Ek bowl mein arugula aur cherry tomatoes add karein.
  • Olive oil, lemon juice, salt aur black pepper daal kar gently toss karein.
  • Upar se parmesan cheese aur toasted nuts sprinkle karein.
  • Turant serve karein for best freshness.

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