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Fresh Arugula Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

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A quick and easy fresh arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette that delivers bright, peppery flavors and a perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Ideal for any occasion, this salad is a refreshing and healthy side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh arugula, rinsed and dried
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the arugula leaves gently in cold water to remove any grit. Spin or pat them dry thoroughly.
  2. Toast pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking or shaking vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  4. Place arugula in a large bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes if using, and toasted nuts. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf.
  5. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese over the top and give one last light toss. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry arugula thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toast nuts carefully to prevent burning. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising leaves. Dress salad just before serving to keep leaves crisp. Vinaigrette can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: arugula salad, lemon vinaigrette, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://islatable.com/fresh-arugula-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-lemon-vinaigrette-dressing/