Our Arugula Salad Recipe is on the table in just 5 minutes! This popular salad has an easy Balsamic Dressing, fresh lemon zest, and a few cherry tomatoes. The flavor combo balances out any bitterness from the Arugula and makes for a delicious side or entree salad!
Arugula seems to be one of the most polarizing raw greens, maybe right behind Dandelion greens (but not by much!). People either love it or hate it and, similar to cilantro, those that love it cannot get enough and those that hate it, avoid it at all costs.
Well, consider this arugula salad a peacemaker – it is meant to bring everyone together. It will please all of the arugula lovers and easily convert those who abstain from arugula.
Like many vegetables that have a hate fan club, I truly believe it is almost always about the preparation.
WHAT IS ARUGULA?
Arugula, also known as “Rocket”, is a leafy vegetable usually found in the lettuce section of the produce department. It is slightly bitter and sometimes a bit spicy, and often described as peppery.
Young arugula or Baby arugula is milder as it is picked before the plant matures and begins to express its true flavor profile.
Arugula greens are popular in French and Italian cuisine but used all over the world.
Since arugula is spicy, peppery and even somewhat bitter, it is not the type of green that pairs with any dressing.
HOW TO MAKE EASY BALSAMIC DRESSING
- Combine oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Use immediately or store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Will last up to five days in the fridge.
This simple lemon balsamic dressing helps to balance out those bold flavors by bringing a touch of sweetness from the balsamic and a fresh, vibrant lemon flavor from the lemon rind.
HOW TO MAKE ARUGULA SALAD
- Combine washed and dried arugula and halved cherry tomatoes in a large salad bowl.
- Add the zest from 1 medium lemon.
- Toss with Balsamic Dressing right before serving and Enjoy!
We have been making this arugula salad over and over again as a simple yet flavorful side salad that literally takes minutes to throw together!
MORE ARUGULA RECIPES:
Mexican Breakfast Salad
Black Lentil Salad with Feta and Crispy Prosciutto
Low Carb Salmon Nicoise Salad
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Our Arugula Salad Recipe is on the table in just minutes! This popular salad has a Lemon Balsamic Dressing, fresh lemon zest, and a few cherry tomatoes. The flavor combo balances out any bitterness from the Arugula and makes for a delicious side or entree salad!
- 1/2 pound arugula
- 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes washed and halved
- 1 whole medium lemon zested
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 to 6 turns freshly ground black pepper
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In a large salad or mixing bowl, combine arugula, halved grape tomatoes and the zest of an entire medium lemon.
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In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper together until well mixed.
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When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad, toss until well coated, serve and Enjoy!
- The dressing can be made 48 to 72 hours in advance and stored in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator until ready to use. I recommend allowing the dressing to sit out at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
- If you are avoiding tomatoes, you can substitute chunks of Persian cucumber or sweet bell pepper.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
UPDATE NOTES: Please note that this recipe was originally published in August 2014, but was updated in April 2019 with nutritional information, updated photos, recipe tips, and more helpful information.
This salad was delicious! The dressing was perfect!
Love it Justine! These comments make my day 🙂
We had this salad with dinner last night and it was so amazing! The lemon balsamic dressing really sends it over the top!
Thank you so much Tayler! So happy to hear you loved it – thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂
I love how light and yummy this dressing was! It’s the perfect salad for Summer!
Hey Kalee! So happy to hear it!!
Game changing dressing! Who knew something so simple could taste so good?? Thanks!
So happy you love it Claire – thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Hi! We have a ton of arugula in the fridge and can’t wait to try this. What type of entree dish would you typically pair this with?
Hi Kayle! This salad pairs well with so many dishes. I’ve paired with Salmon, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Shrimp – what do you have on hand?
Thank you for sharing this recipe it is so simple but perfect!
Hope you love it!
Hi! i normally meal prep my salads, should i hold the dressing until im ready to eat or just let it marinade. ?
Hey! Definitely hold back the dressing until ready to serve. I find that Arugula wilts pretty quickly.
This salad was amazing!! Quick, easy and a nice change!
Thanks Krista! So glad you liked it 🙂
Add some crumbles of goat cheese and it is to die for!!
That is a great idea!
This is delicious! The lemon added something different than the other recipes we tried. Our garden is overrun with arugula, so we will surely have this salad again… and again!
This is by far my favorite way to eat arugula Christy! So glad you are enjoying it as well and thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know 🙂
I love arugula although my boys aren’t fond of it. I have found that with the right dressing, the bitterness lessens, so I’m looking forward to trying your recipe!
I hope you love it!
Love nippy salads with arulgula, or as we call it in the UK, rocket. Perfect balanced dressing for this most nutritious of easily grown leaves. And it is my favourite leaf to stir into pasta too.
Rocket? That is a cool name Kellie 🙂 Yes, also love, love, love arugula in pasta!
This salad has all my favorite ingredients. Reminds me I should start planting my fall arugula, completely forgot, hope it is not too late.
Thanks Norma! Hope you get the arugula started 🙂
THIS is my kinda salad! So simple; so full of flavor! Yes, please.
Me too – plus it only takes 5 minutes to throw together. win!
I have the tastiest arugula growing right now – can’t wait to try this!
I am so jealous you are growing your own arugula!!