Description
A vibrant Lemon Arugula Salad featuring peppery arugula, fresh basil, tangy lemon dressing, creamy avocado, toasted pine nuts, and shaved Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 10 oz. arugula (or other mixed greens)
- 3 Tbsp. fresh basil (chiffonade)
- 2 oz. grated Parmesan cheese (shaved)
- 8-10 radishes (thinly sliced)
- â…“ cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1 large avocado (or 2 small, sliced)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup oil (avocado or olive oil)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2-3 Tbsp. honey (or pure maple syrup, to taste)
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: Add the arugula, basil, shaved Parmesan cheese, thinly sliced radishes, and toasted pine nuts into a large salad bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
- Make the dressing: Combine the avocado or olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a mason jar or blender. Shake vigorously or blend until the dressing is emulsified and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the salad: Just before serving, add the sliced avocado to the salad bowl. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad to your desired amount, then gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- The salad can be prepped ahead except for the avocado, which should be added just before serving to avoid browning.
- For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup in the dressing for desired sweetness based on taste and dietary preferences.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright flavor in the dressing.
