Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best arugula salad ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Simple Arugula Salad:
This classic arugula salad needs 3 simple ingredients, but can easily include other flavorful additions. (See variations below!) Here’s what you need for the basic version:
Arugula – You can use baby arugula or regular arugula leaves. The same recipe also works with baby spinach, mixed greens, or even kale. Pine Nuts – As an alternative to toasted or raw pine nuts, you can try using walnuts, almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for crunch. Shaved Parmesan Cheese – This dish also works with crumbled feta cheese, grated pecorino Romano, or creamy goat cheese.
Arugula Salad Dressing:
The zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing adds bright flavor to the salad. Here’s what I use to make it:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – You can also use avocado oil, or your favorite neutral salad oil. Lemon Juice – For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice. You can swap in other acids too, such as balsamic vinegar. Dijon Mustard – You can use yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or spicy brown mustard to bring a different flavor profile to the dressing. Italian Seasoning – Make homemade Italian seasoning in just 5 minutes, or use a store-bought mix. Garlic Powder – For subtle garlicky flavor. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Kosher salt works as well instead of sea salt.
How To Make Arugula Salad
This section shows how to make an arugula salad, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey (or even maple syrup) if you want some sweetness. (You can also use zero sugar honey, if you want a sugar-free salad dressing that’s still sweet.)
Storage Instructions
If you’ll have leftovers of this delicious salad, store the greens separate from dressing in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The dressing stores well in a glass jar in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Add the dressing just before serving. (The salad does not store well with the dressing already added, as the arugula will get soggy.)
Watermelon – For a watermelon arugula salad, add chunks of fresh watermelon, replace the parmesan with feta cheese, and add fresh herbs (such as fresh mint) if you like. Strawberries – Add sliced strawberries, sliced red onions, diced avocado, and pecans. This strawberry arugula salad would be a bit similar to strawberry spinach salad. Apples – Thinly sliced apples (or pears) work well to add natural sweetness. You can also dice them if you want some in every bite. Goat Cheese – Make an arugula goat cheese salad by swapping the parmesan with goat cheese. You can also combine this with any of the other options on this list. Fresh Vegetables – Add halved cherry tomatoes or diced cucumbers. Protein – Topped with baked chicken breast or grilled salmon for a complete meal. You can also add steak for a steak salad.
What To Serve With Arugula Salad
Pair this simple salad with a main dish for a complete meal or add some protein to enjoy it as a light lunch. Here are some of my go-to ways to serve with arugula salad recipes:
Chicken – Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken legs or BBQ chicken legs in the summer or baked chicken legs in the winter. If you prefer white meat, make baked chicken wings or lemon garlic chicken. Salmon – Try classic pan seared salmon (the lemon butter sauce is irresistible!), rich and creamy Tuscan salmon, or fancy stuffed salmon with crabmeat for a special meal. You can also make grilled salmon in the warm months. Pasta – Arugula salad recipes are a great light side for heavier pasta dishes! For a fresh, light, but still comforting take, serve it with eggplant lasagna or top zucchini noodles with alfredo sauce. Steak – Take it to the next level by serving it alongside a juicy steak, whether it’s a succulent ribeye, tender filet mignon, or flavorful sirloin. For a lighter option, thinly slice grilled steak and toss it into the salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. Stuffed Dinners – This salad makes the perfect simple side to stuffed portobello mushrooms, lasagna-style stuffed peppers, stuffed tomatoes, and even spinach stuffed chicken. Soup – Make a soup salad and breadstick meal with chicken stew or zuppa Toscana.
More Arugula Salad Recipes
Try more simple arugula salad recipes that create fresh flavors with effortless prep: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
