Arugula is one of my all-time favorite greens. To make a fabulous yet simple arugula salad, all it takes is a few ingredients. Sometimes, the simplest of recipes taste the best!
Although arugula tastes somewhat peppery, the peppery flavor enhances the rest of the ingredients in the salad if paired with the right ingredients.
What is Arugula?
Even though arugula is often mixed into premade salad mixes, it is actually from the cabbage and mustard green family. Though a bit more expensive, arugula is prized for its peppery taste and green leafy appearance.
Similar to raw spinach, arugula has a stem and a firm texture. Tart and peppery, when paired with citrus or other fruits and strong flavors such as red onion, the flavors explode.
Also, an acidic dressing using vinegar or citrus balances out the pepper flavor nicely.
How to make a quick and easy arugula salad?
First, choose contrasting ingredients to balance the flavors. For instance, these ingredients work perfectly together to create a simple arugula salad.
- Arugula
- Red Onion
- Cucumber
- Honey Crisp Apples
- Blanched Almonds (Toasted)
All it takes is five simple ingredients for a fabulous arugula salad.
Toasting almonds without using oil
To toast almonds or any nuts without oil, place the raw nuts in a small skillet in a single layer.
Then, cook on medium-low, stirring the nuts continuously as they cook. The nuts brown quickly, so don't leave the nuts unattended.
If you prefer to season the nuts, add some seasoning of choice to the cooking nuts.
As the release of the natural oils from the nuts, the seasoning sticks to the nuts.
And, like all salads, it's all about the oil-free dressing!
The Ingredients:
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Maple Syrup
- Dijon Mustard
- Salt to taste
Even though arugula is quite firm, do not dress and toss the salad until right before serving. And, don't add the toasted balanced almonds until dressing the salad.
Salad lovers, make sure you're eating all your greens!
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Panera Spicy Thai Salad
- Quinoa Greek Salad with OMG Oil-Free Dressing
- Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad
- Southwest Salad
- Asparagus Salad
- Antipasto Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
📖 Recipe
Arugula Salad
Ingredients
Arugula Salad
- 15 ounces Earthbound Farm Organic Baby Arugula
- 2 Honey crisp apples cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red onion cut into slivers
- 1 cucumber cut into quarters
- ¼ cup blanched almonds
Dressing
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
Arugula Salad
- Combine all ingredients, except the toasted almonds in a large bowl.
- Set aside
- Place the raw nuts in a small skillet in a single layer.
- Then, cook on medium-low, stirring the nuts continuously as they cook. The nuts brown quickly, so don't leave the nuts unattended.
- If you prefer to season the nuts, add some seasoning of choice to the cooking nuts.
- As the release of the natural oils from the nuts, the seasoning sticks to the nuts.
Dressing
- Whisk ingredients together
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until coated.
- Add the toasted almonds and toss again.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Toasting Almonds Without Using Oil
To toast almonds or any nuts without oil, place the raw nuts in a small skillet in a single layer. Then, cook on medium-low, stirring the nuts continuously as they cook. The nuts brown quickly, so don't leave the nuts unattended. If you prefer to season the nuts, add some seasoning of choice to the cooking nuts. As the release of the natural oils from the nuts, the seasoning sticks to the nuts.Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Paula M
Made this last night and it was delightful. Love how light it was a flavorful. Reminded me of a champagne vinaigrette. Will definitely make again and again. Thanks for another delectable recipe.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Paula. I'm so glad you liked the arugula salad. Thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to rate the recipe and comment.