Arugula Salad With Parmesan

Arugula Salad With Parmesan
Bobbi Lin for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Eugene Jho. Prop Stylist: Christina Lane.
Total Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(763)
Notes
Read community notes

Emulsifying a dressing isn’t essential for a sublime salad: Instead, think of the oil and acid as seasonings for a vegetable. For this recipe, that’s spicy arugula, dressed with olive oil, lemon and shards of Parmesan to create a salad classic in many Italian restaurants and homes. But whether olive oil or lemon should come first, like all seemingly simple questions, is complicated. James Beard, Marcella Hazan, Deborah Madison and Judy Rodgers all concurred: For a brighter-tasting salad, start with olive oil, which better adheres the liquids to the greens and doesn’t obscure the lemon. Be sure to use full-flavored greens, then taste the dressed leaves and adjust seasonings until the arugula tastes like its greatest self.

Featured in: 20 Easy Salads for Every Summer Table

Learn: How to Make Salad

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 4 to 5ounces baby arugula
  • 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
  • 2teaspoons fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
  • 2ounces Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

94 calories; 7 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 6 grams protein; 176 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place the arugula in a very large bowl, ideally one that could hold twice as many leaves. Drizzle over the olive oil and use your hands to toss lightly, then add the lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon salt. Lightly toss the greens until they are evenly glossy; avoid overmixing or crushing the greens.

  2. Step 2

    Add the Parmesan and toss just to incorporate. Taste. If the salad is too sharp, add another drop of oil and toss. If the salad is dull, add a sprinkle of salt and some lemon juice and toss. Eat right away.

Ratings

5 out of 5
763 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

Why not just skip the olive oil and make this with walnut oil for a change? It is unbeatable with arugula and Parmesan cheese. Toss with pine nuts.

I’ve made this salad many times. Personally, I like to use finely grated Parmesan instead of shaved, and I also use freshly ground pepper (just a little). Grating the Parmesan makes for a more evenly flavored salad imo.

Yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum That's all.

Any green salad works well with this dressing technique. Toss greens in oil, then salt, which will stick to the oil, then acid, lemon or vinegar, which will not wilt the greens protected by the oil.

Reader "e. edwards" makes a fine point on subbing walnut oil for the suggested EVO -- it has a definite affinity for arugula. And for further nuance, try lime juice instead of lemon. Superb, in my view.

Freshly ground black pepper and a handful of pine nuts go well with this classic

Reminded me of an old Gourmet recipe that has arugula as a bed for cannelloni beans simmered in a fresh sprig of Rosemary, lemon juice and grated peel, then drizzled with olive oil, s&p and topped with fresh parm shavings. Original recipe called for prosciutto but I like it just fine without.

I love this salad. Sometimes, I make it with grilled halloumi cheese instead of Parmesan. Add a fried egg and it's a light meal.

So simple, so delicious. Made with fresh, spring arugula.

This recipe is so simple and perfect. Good with some fresh cherry tomatoes too (if you want to add something), but also perfectly delicious as is.

Absolutely delectable with grapefruit and a bit of prosciutto

A perfect little salad to complement a rich main course.

Perfection. As long as you use ingredients that are up to the task. There’s no hiding bad ones.

A great simple salad that is easy to make your own. I did half arugula and half spinach, then added chopped almonds and pieces of Cara Cara oranges for a seasonal winter citrus salad! The shaved Parmesan was perfect with it.

So simple and yet delicious. Big hit in my house and my daughter is not a fan of things green.

this recipe is perfection as is. no notes, just epic deliciousness. it doesn't get easier or better than this.

This recipe is brilliant. The arugula stands up well to the lemon. The simplicity can’t be beat. Easy, few ingredients — and one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. Works spectacularly as a foil to a rich meal.

Amazing! Tried it with aged cheddar for a second time and it was perfection too.

Three nights in a row, I’ve made this and don’t plan to stop now. It’s a keeper.

This has been my favorite side salad all summer. As has been suggested, I finely grate in really good Parmesan and bought some walnut which is subtle and it love it, Now I’m thinking of ways to use it in the cooler weather. Maybe with butternut squash?

I have been making a version of this for years. Sometimes change it up by adding thinly sliced apple and fennel

Great fresh easy salad. I always have baby arugula on hand. Love the readers’ notes and hints for varied options. I especially look forward to making again and subbing pine nuts. Adding sliced pears sounds like a delicious option to try. Thanks for all suggestions.

I like to add avocado and some shaved almonds or pine nuts for a bit of a crunch!

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