Italian Arugula Salad with Parmesan and Lemon

Italian Arugula Salad is the ultimate simple and delicious salad recipe with no chopping required. Made with peppery arugula, shaved parmesan, and fresh lemon juice, you're going to love this classic Italian salad recipe!

Italian Arugula Salad is a great addition to any meal. It comes together fast and uses simple ingredients. It's a great side salad or main dish served with protein on top. 

If you love simple salads, don't miss this Italian Tomato Onion Salad or this Strawberry Blueberry Spinach Salad. For a delicious protein to serve with your easy arugula salad, try this simple Greek Chicken Marinade recipe or these 10-minute Pan Seared Shrimp with garlic. 

You'll Love Italian Arugula Salad

Italian Arugula Salad is one of those easy salad recipes you'll make again and again. Ready in just minutes, this tangy and fresh salad pairs perfectly with any meal. 

I truly think the best arugula salad is the simplest one. This recipe features just a few ingredients and the combination of olive oil and lemon juice is the perfect way to dress up fresh arugula. 

You can make this salad using any salad greens, but I like the peppery flavor of baby arugula. It's one of my favorite greens to cook with and doesn't wilt like lettuce or other greens. 

This simple salad is made in a large bowl with the dressing ingredients made in the same bowl as the salad. It's truly the easiest salad recipe out there!

So, if you are looking for a delicious and fresh salad that's full of bright flavor, give this Italian Arugula Salad recipe a try! 

Ingredients

• Arugula: you can find arugula in the produce section of most grocery stores. It's a leafy green that is commonly found prepackaged in 5 ounce servings with the other lettuce mixes. 
• Olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for this simple arugula salad. 
• Lemon: fresh lemon juice is best. You will need the juice from about half a large lemon for the simple lemon vinaigrette.
• Salt & Pepper: kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper are all the seasonings you need. 
• Parmesan: shaved parmesan cheese is the classic way to serve Italian arugula salad. Use Parmigiano Reggiano cheese if you have it. 
• Pine Nuts: pine nuts are an optional ingredient but add great flavor and texture to this simple salad recipe. I recommend toasting them ahead of time if you can. 

Variations: you can change up the flavors of this salad by adding in other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cherry tomatoes, or another other healthy veggie you like. 

How to Make Italian Arugula Salad 

This classic Italian Arugula Salad recipe is simple to make with basic ingredients and done in one bowl. No special equipment required other than a large salad bowl! 

Step 1: make the lemon dressing

In a large bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Use a whisk to mix it together until well combined. 

Step 2: add in arugula

To the bowl, add in the baby arugula leaves. Use a tongs or two large spoons to toss the greens in the dressing until well coated. 

​Step 3: add in the parmesan

Then, use a vegetable peeler to cut long pieces of parmesan cheese into the salad. If you don't have a hunk of aged parmesan cheese, you can always just add shredded parmesan to the salad. 

Step 4: toss with pine nuts

This last step is optional but adds a great crunch and texture. Lightly toast pine nuts on a nonstick skillet until they are a light golden brown in color. Let cool and sprinkle over salad before serving. 

I like to finish this Italian arugula salad with an additional shaving of hard cheese before serving. 

Recipe Tips

• Use a good quality olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor. 
• Arugula is a type of leafy green with a distinct peppery finish that can be found in prepackaged salad mixes in most grocery stores. 
• Classic Italian arugula salad is served with parmesan shavings. You can of course use shredded parmesan if that's what you have on hand. 
• This salad is best eaten immediately. However, because arugula is a hearty green, it holds up well and makes for great leftovers. 
• This is the perfect side dish for any meal, or you can top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a light lunch. 

More Easy Italian Side Dishes