This arugula salad is the perfect everyday side salad. It's so simple to make - arugula gets topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts and some cracked pepper. This simple salad goes great with just about any main dish and only takes a few minutes to make.
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Notes from the Kitchen
Meet your new go-to side salad! I've been making this salad for years but I never shared it on the blog because it seemed too simple. Then I realized that's the beauty of it, this is an everyday salad that can be tossed together in a flash.
I recommend using this Lemon Vinaigrette with this salad - it gives you the perfect flavor balance. You could also use a balsamic vinaigrette.
I love to serve this salad with this Skillet Lemon Chicken or this Grilled Salmon with Mustard Sauce.
How to Make It
- Toast the pine nuts. I like to toast nuts in a small non-stick pan. I think it's the easiest way to do it and you can keep a close eye on them. Use medium-low heat to help prevent burning but still keep an eye on them as they can go from toasty brown to burnt very quickly. And remember, if you leave them in the hot pan, they will continue to toast for a bit!
- Shave the parmesan. I normally use a potato peeler to do this but you can also use a paring knife. I've seen shaved parmesan in the grocery store too, so that's another option.
- Assemble the salad. Once the nuts are toasted, add the arugula to two salad bowls, top with nuts, parmesan, cracked pepper and some flaky sea salt. Top with the lemon vinaigrette dressing or your preferred dressing.
Meal Prep Tips ⇢You can make the dressing and toast the pine nuts ahead of time. Both will keep for a couple of days. If you do that, it only takes about 5 minutes to put this salad together!
Salad Variations
I think this super simple salad that works best as an easy side salad. If you want to create something more elaborate or that works as a light meal, you can experiment with some of these additions.
- Add some protein. This is my favorite way to change up this salad. I'll often throw in some extra rotisserie chicken, some grilled salmon or a handful of crispy chickpeas.
- Add some fruit. A handful of dried cranberries or cherries adds a nice zing to the salad. Fresh fruit works too! I've added sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries.
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Simple Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Ingredients
- ¼ c pine nuts
- ⅓ c shaved parmesan
- 3 c arugula
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts. Add the pine nuts to a small non-stick pan and heat over medium-low heat. Let them sit for about 5 minutes and then shake the pan to make sure all sides get toasted. Let them toast for another 5-10 minutes. Total time will vary depending on the pan and your cooktop. Continue to toast until they are golden brown.
- Shave the parmesan. While the nuts are toasting, using a potato peeler or a small paring knife to shave the parmesan. You want thin slice which you can break up into smaller pieces when you assemble the salad.
- Assemble the salad. Split the arugula between two salad bowls. Top with toasted nuts, parmesan, pepper and salt. Drizzle on the dressing of your choice and toss to coat.
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