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Fresh Arugula Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

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A light, refreshing salad featuring peppery arugula dressed in a bright, tangy lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for summer lunches and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh arugula (about 150 grams), washed and dried
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about one medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt, to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shaved Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts or walnuts, halved cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Rinse 5 cups (150 grams) of fresh arugula under cold water to remove grit. Spin or pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel; excess moisture can dilute the dressing. This step usually takes about 5 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of honey, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add 1 small minced garlic clove if using. Whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly—about 1 minute.
  3. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust if needed by adding a bit more honey for sweetness or more lemon juice for acidity.
  4. Place the dried arugula in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the greens gradually while tossing gently with salad tongs or your hands. Toss just until the leaves are evenly coated but not soggy—about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add optional toppings such as shaved Parmesan, toasted nuts (about 2 tablespoons), or halved cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Serve immediately for maximum crispness and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Dry arugula thoroughly to prevent watered-down dressing. Whisk vinaigrette well to emulsify. Dress salad just before serving to keep arugula crisp. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Variations include adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or seasonal fruits.

Nutrition

Keywords: arugula salad, lemon vinaigrette, fresh salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad

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