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Zesty Arugula Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

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A fresh, vibrant arugula salad tossed with a bright and balanced lemon vinaigrette, perfect as a light side or stand-alone lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups (150 grams) fresh arugula leaves
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons or 45 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (7 grams) honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: toasted pine nuts or walnuts, shaved Parmesan cheese, thinly sliced radishes

Instructions

  1. Rinse about 5 cups (150 grams) of fresh arugula thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Use a salad spinner or pat dry gently with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the juice of 1 large lemon (approx. 3 tablespoons or 45 ml), 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon (7 grams) honey or maple syrup, and 1 finely minced small garlic clove. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Taste and season the vinaigrette with about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Place the dry arugula in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette evenly over the greens.
  5. Using tongs or salad forks, toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf with the dressing. The arugula should look glossy but not drenched.
  6. If using optional toppings like toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan, sprinkle them on now.
  7. Serve immediately for best freshness. If serving later, keep dressing separate and toss just before plating.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and finely mince garlic. Whisk vinaigrette for at least one minute to emulsify. Toast nuts lightly before adding for extra crunch. Keep dressing separate if not serving immediately to prevent wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: arugula salad, lemon vinaigrette, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, healthy salad, quick salad, homemade dressing

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