Discover a burst of freshness with our Arugula Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette, a delightful Italian dish that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of vibrant flavors! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this exquisite salad that features peppery arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luxurious drizzle of homemade basil balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side dish for your next dinner party, this recipe will have your guests coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup basil balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the arugula leaves under cold running water, gently patting them dry with paper towels or using a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and carefully slice them in half lengthwise, ensuring even and neat cuts.
- Place the clean, dry arugula leaves in a large serving bowl, spreading them evenly to create a fresh green base for the salad.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the arugula, distributing them uniformly across the salad.
- Using a vegetable peeler or cheese grater, shave the Parmesan cheese to create delicate, thin pieces that will beautifully garnish the salad.
- Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the arugula and tomatoes, allowing the cheese to rest lightly on top.
- Drizzle the basil balsamic vinaigrette evenly across the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Gently toss the salad using two large spoons or salad tongs, making sure the vinaigrette is well distributed without bruising the delicate arugula leaves.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to personal preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp arugula and vibrant flavors at their peak freshness.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great salad lies in the freshness of your ingredients. Opt for organic arugula and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Wash and Dry Thoroughly: Make sure to wash the arugula leaves well to remove any grit. Dry them completely to prevent a soggy salad—use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels.
- Uniform Tomato Halves: For a beautiful presentation, slice the cherry tomatoes evenly. This not only looks appealing but ensures each bite has a balanced flavor.
- Perfectly Shaved Parmesan: Use a vegetable peeler for thin, delicate shavings of Parmesan. This will help the cheese melt into the salad and enhance every bite.
- Toss Gently: When mixing the salad, be gentle to avoid bruising the arugula leaves. A light toss is all you need to combine the ingredients without compromising their texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad after adding salt and pepper. Everyone's palate is different, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking for the best results.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the salad right after tossing. This ensures the arugula remains crisp and the flavors are at their peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
