Best Arugula Salad Recipes: Finding the Perfect Arugula Salad Recipe for You
There’s nothing quite like a fresh, healthy salad to fill you up and make you feel good. Check out this list of the best arugula salad recipes for a variety of flavors and textures. From classic salads with greens and dressing, to unique recipes with fruits and nuts, there’s something for everyone here.
This list of the best arugula salad recipes will feature the top options and will allow you to find the perfect arugula salad recipe for you. From creamy arugula salads to Asian-inspired arugula salads, this list has something for everyone.
After you finish with this list of the best arugula salad recipes, our lists of the best macaroni salad recipes, best tuna salad recipes, and best kale salad recipes will also provide some more excellent recipe options.
Top 10 Arugula Salad Recipes:
1. Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Lemon & Olive Oil
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt
About This Recipe: This simple yet elegant salad combines peppery arugula with nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, all lightly dressed in a tangy lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. It’s a versatile side that complements a variety of main dishes.
2. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, red grapes, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, honey
About This Recipe: This vibrant salad features sweet red grapes and toasted pine nuts atop a bed of arugula, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful starter or side.
3. Simple Arugula Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, thinly sliced fennel, shaved Parmesan cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey
About This Recipe: Pairing peppery arugula with crisp fennel and savory Parmesan, this salad is dressed with a sweet and tangy balsamic-honey vinaigrette, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience.
4. Arugula Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Baby arugula, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, shaved Parmesan, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey
About This Recipe: This salad combines the peppery bite of arugula with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted almonds, all enhanced by a zesty lemon dressing.
5. Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shaved Parmesan, pine nuts, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, honey
About This Recipe: A classic arugula salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes and nutty pine nuts, tossed in a light lemon-honey dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
6. Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, carrots, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil
About This Recipe: This versatile salad combines fresh arugula with colorful vegetables and a tangy lemon-balsamic dressing, making it suitable for any occasion.
7. Arugula Salad with Lemon and Olive Oil
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, honey
About This Recipe: A minimalist salad that highlights the natural flavors of arugula and Parmesan, dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil for a light and refreshing dish.
8. Avocado Arugula Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, shaved Parmesan, Avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper
About This Recipe: This salad hits all the right notes for me. Peppery arugula with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocados. The perfect balance!
9. Arugula Salad with Olive Oil, Lemon, and Parmesan Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper
About This Recipe: This classic salad combines fresh arugula with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, dressed with a simple mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, offering a fresh and tangy flavor.
10. Easy Arugula Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh arugula, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomato, extra-virgin olive oil, Avocado, salt, pepper
About This Recipe: This simple arugula salad is so easy even I can make it. And it looks very presentable for guests and takes only minutes to make.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Arugula Salad Recipes
While all of the recipes on this list deliver on freshness and flavor, a couple of arugula salad recipes stood out to our editors. First is the Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, which pairs peppery greens with sweet grapes and pine nuts for a bold balance of textures and flavors. Another top choice is the Avocado Arugula Salad, which shines thanks to the creamy richness of avocado that offsets the sharp bite of arugula. Both salads are simple to make and beautifully highlight what makes arugula such a standout green.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arugula Salad Recipes
What is arugula, and what does it taste like?
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a leafy green with a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. It’s commonly used in salads and pairs well with sweet fruits, tangy dressings, and salty cheeses like Parmesan or feta.
How do I keep arugula fresh for salads?
Store arugula in a sealed container or plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Keep it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Avoid washing until ready to use to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
Can I make arugula salad ahead of time?
Yes, but to keep it crisp, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. You can prep the vegetables and toppings in advance and combine everything when ready to eat for the freshest texture and flavor.
What goes well with arugula in salads?
Arugula pairs well with a wide range of ingredients including citrus fruits, apples, pears, avocado, nuts, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and vinaigrettes. Its bold flavor complements both sweet and savory elements.
Tips for Making the Best Arugula Salad Recipes at Home
To create the best arugula salads at home, start with fresh, baby arugula for a tender bite. Mix in ingredients that contrast the bitterness, like sweet dried cranberries, fresh fruit, or honey-based dressings. Use shaved Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese to add salty depth, and always toast your nuts—like pine nuts or almonds—for extra crunch and flavor.
For the dressing, stick with light vinaigrettes made from olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar, or add a dash of honey to balance the greens. Don’t overdress the salad—toss it lightly just before serving to maintain texture. Finally, make it a meal by adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a healthy and satisfying option.
Best Arugula Salad Recipes Conclusion
There’s no doubt that salads are a healthy and delicious option for any meal. And with so many different ways to make them, there’s sure to be a recipe here that you’ll love.
So go ahead and give one of these arugula salad recipes a try.
Is there a arugula salad recipe that you think should be on this list but isn’t? Please feel free to share it below if so.
