Elevate your salad game with a burst of flavors in this Arugula Salad that brings together the peppery notes of arugula, the zesty brightness of lemon, the richness of Parmesan, and the nutty crunch of pine nuts. Tossed in a balsamic dressing, this salad is a celebration of freshness and sophistication, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- Zest of 1 lemon 🍋
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted 🌰
For the Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Arugula:
- In a large salad bowl, place the washed and dried arugula. Pat it dry with a paper towel if needed.
- Zest the Lemon:
- Zest the lemon directly over the arugula. The lemon zest adds a bright and citrusy element to the salad.
- Shave Parmesan:
- Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin slices of Parmesan cheese over the arugula. The sharpness of Parmesan complements the peppery arugula.
- Toast Pine Nuts:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
- Add Pine Nuts to Salad:
- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the arugula and Parmesan. The nuts contribute a delightful crunch to the salad.
For the Balsamic Dressing:
- Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Drizzle Dressing:
- Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the arugula, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Start with a modest amount and add more if desired.
- Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Ensure that the lemon zest, Parmesan, and pine nuts are well distributed.
- Plate and Garnish:
- Plate the Arugula Salad on serving plates. If desired, garnish with additional Parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve Fresh:
- Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing and elegant side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Enjoy the freshness and elegance of this Arugula Salad with Lemon Zest, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, and Balsamic Dressing. The vibrant arugula, citrusy lemon zest, savory Parmesan, and nutty pine nuts combine to create a flavor symphony that elevates your dining experience with each bite. 🍋🧀🌰🥗✨