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You are here: Home / Course / Salads / Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing

Published April 14, 2019. By Alyssa Brantley 31 Comments

Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing

  • Gluten free
  • Nut free
  • Nut free
  • Vegan
  • Whole 30
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close up of arugula salad in a white bowl with wood serving bowls in the background

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!

bowl of arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and wood bowls for serving

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

  1. Combine oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Use immediately or store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  4. Will last up to five days in the fridge.

mixing easy balsamic dressing in a glass bowl

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

  1. Combine washed and dried arugula and halved cherry tomatoes in a large salad bowl.
  2. Add the zest from 1 medium lemon.
  3. Toss with Balsamic Dressing right before serving and Enjoy!

zesting a lemon into arugula salad

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!

arugula salad with balsamic in a white bowl

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!

Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
 

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!

Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Keyword: arugula with balsamic, easy arugula salad recipe, what to do with arugula
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 143 kcal
Author: Alyssa Brantley
5 from 8 votes
close up of white serving bowl with arugula salad
Print
Ingredients
  • 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
Instructions
  1. In a large salad or mixing bowl, combine arugula, halved grape tomatoes and the zest of an entire medium lemon.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper together until well mixed.

  3. When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad, toss until well coated, serve and Enjoy!

NOTES:
  • 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.
Nutrition Facts
Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing
Amount Per Serving (0.25 dressed salad)
Calories 143 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 164mg7%
Potassium 258mg7%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 1435IU29%
Vitamin C 12.8mg16%
Calcium 91mg9%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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.

Filed Under: Dairy Free, Date Night, Easter, Egg Free, Favorites, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Green Sides, Keto, Kid Friendly, Low Carb, Nut Free, Paleo, Passover, Salad Dressings, Salads, Spring, St. Patricks Day, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Justine says

    June 17, 2019 at 1:00 pm

    This salad was delicious! The dressing was perfect!

    Reply
    • Alyssa Brantley says

      June 27, 2019 at 10:48 am

      Love it Justine! These comments make my day 🙂

      Reply
  2. Tayler Ross says

    June 17, 2019 at 11:54 am

    We had this salad with dinner last night and it was so amazing! The lemon balsamic dressing really sends it over the top!

    Reply
    • Alyssa Brantley says

      June 17, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      Thank you so much Tayler! So happy to hear you loved it – thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kalee says

    June 15, 2019 at 2:17 pm

    I love how light and yummy this dressing was! It’s the perfect salad for Summer!

    Reply
    • Alyssa Brantley says

      June 17, 2019 at 9:33 am

      Hey Kalee! So happy to hear it!!

      Reply
  4. Claire says

    January 26, 2018 at 1:44 am

    Game changing dressing! Who knew something so simple could taste so good?? Thanks!

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      January 28, 2018 at 2:15 pm

      So happy you love it Claire – thanks for taking the time to let me know!

      Reply
  5. Kayle says

    June 20, 2017 at 8:40 am

    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?

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      June 20, 2017 at 1:36 pm

      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?

      Reply
  6. Marykay says

    September 24, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    Thank you for sharing this recipe it is so simple but perfect!

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      September 26, 2016 at 9:56 am

      Hope you love it!

      Reply
  7. KP says

    June 12, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    Hi! i normally meal prep my salads, should i hold the dressing until im ready to eat or just let it marinade. ?

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:21 am

      Hey! Definitely hold back the dressing until ready to serve. I find that Arugula wilts pretty quickly.

      Reply
  8. Krista says

    January 6, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    This salad was amazing!! Quick, easy and a nice change!

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      January 7, 2016 at 11:01 am

      Thanks Krista! So glad you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  9. Mobo says

    August 28, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    Add some crumbles of goat cheese and it is to die for!!

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      September 2, 2015 at 11:15 am

      That is a great idea!

      Reply
  10. christy trombley says

    July 19, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      July 21, 2015 at 10:13 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
  11. Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says

    August 24, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      August 29, 2014 at 9:59 am

      I hope you love it!

      Reply
  12. [email protected] says

    August 24, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      August 24, 2014 at 8:29 pm

      Rocket? That is a cool name Kellie 🙂 Yes, also love, love, love arugula in pasta!

      Reply
  13. Norma Chang says

    August 21, 2014 at 4:38 pm

    This salad has all my favorite ingredients. Reminds me I should start planting my fall arugula, completely forgot, hope it is not too late.

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      August 22, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      Thanks Norma! Hope you get the arugula started 🙂

      Reply
  14. ashley - baker by nature says

    August 21, 2014 at 8:21 am

    THIS is my kinda salad! So simple; so full of flavor! Yes, please.

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      August 22, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      Me too – plus it only takes 5 minutes to throw together. win!

      Reply
  15. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says

    August 21, 2014 at 6:22 am

    I have the tastiest arugula growing right now – can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • EverydayMaven says

      August 22, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      I am so jealous you are growing your own arugula!!

      Reply

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