This could be the simplest salad I ever share, which could be a problem because you might find yourself only making this salad. Time will tell.

Arugula salad with lemon dressing, coming boldly on through.

This zippy and peppery arugula salad is reminding me of three things: the essential lemon garlic sauce (another lemon-loves-olive oil situation), the kale salad (another cold palate cleansing lunch), and a standard house salad. Like the kind of salad you’d get at a fancy restaurant that’s totally understated, and yet, boldly sets the stage for the main event. I mean, I’ve never actually had this exact salad at a restaurant, but it’s the sort of raw and bitter menu item that goes with practically anything.

Here’s what’s happening in this arugula salad:

• straight fresh arugula (depending on your mood, you could try mixing in some baby kale)
• a drenching of lemon juice and olive oil
• salt and pepper
• Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, or both

I have been making this as a single-serve deal because, while it sort of holds up for 24 hours, I prefer the lively, slight wilt of the greens about 10-minutes post lemon juice and salt.

Here’s what I do: I take a whole lemon and squeeze it directly over the greens, using my fingers to catch the seeds (use a strainer if you prefer). Then, when it’s time to serve, I add the olive oil and toss everything around really well. I prefer to use clean hands, but you can use tongs, too. Once everything is coated, I season with salt and pepper. Last but not least, I shave the cheese over each individual serving.

I cannot understate my love for a bitter green salad situation.

Recommendations for Serving:

Outdoor seating with a toasted garlic baguette, anyone? Or a tomato bisque with prawns and salad dinner? OMG. Also, a tall glass of iced tea or if you’re really feeling it, red wine. And while we’re on the topic of red wine, maybe an inappropriately drippy red wine-poached pear for dessert.

Are you feeling this? I am so feeling this. Sending all the refreshing arugula vibes through the screen.

Arugula Salad with Lemon and Pecorino

A super quick salad needs little more than lemon juice and olive oil, especially when topped with Pecorino or Parmesan cheese.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: arugula, salad

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Author: Chef Sara Furcini

Ingredients

• 4-6 cups baby arugula 1 bag/2 large handfuls
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ounce Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Place the arugula greens in a large serving bowl. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon directly over the greens (I just strain the seeds with my hands). Add the olive oil and sea salt and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust by adding extra lemon or salt, as needed.
• To serve, place a pile of the greens on a plate and top with shaved Pecorino cheese (I like to shave the cheese with a peeler). Season with freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy fresh or refrigerate and enjoy within 24 hours (note: the greens will begin to break down and wilt the longer they sit in the dressing with the salt).

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which may pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you!