Imagine a salad so vibrant, so fresh, and so incredibly delicious that it transforms your ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. Our Arugula Salad with Favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette is not just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines peppery arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese in a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking to elevate your lunch game, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 cups of fresh arugula, 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the arugula under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. After rinsing, gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- In a large salad bowl, add the arugula as the base of your salad.
- Next, take the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Add the halved tomatoes to the bowl with the arugula.
- Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the salad, distributing it evenly to ensure each bite has a bit of cheese.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with 2 tablespoons, and feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
- Using a pair of salad tongs or your hands, gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the arugula is well coated with the vinaigrette.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as necessary, keeping in mind that the Parmesan cheese may already add some saltiness.
- Once everything is well mixed and seasoned, serve the salad immediately on two plates or in bowls, making sure to divide the ingredients evenly.
- Enjoy your fresh arugula salad with favorite balsamic vinaigrette as a light meal or a delicious side dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to an outstanding salad is using the freshest possible arugula. Look for bright green leaves without any wilting or yellowing.
- Vinaigrette Hack: For an extra flavor boost, let your balsamic vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before dressing the salad to help the flavors bloom.
- Cheese Tip: When shaving Parmesan, use a vegetable peeler for those beautiful, delicate cheese ribbons that will melt perfectly into the salad.
- Serving Suggestion: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this salad into a complete protein-packed dish.
- Dressing Technique: Always add dressing gradually and toss gently to ensure each leaf is lightly coated without becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
