Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will revolutionize your salad experience! This Arugula Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts is not just another boring green dish – it's a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining to a gourmet level. Imagine crisp, peppery arugula dancing with golden, toasted hazelnuts and a perfectly balanced dressing that will make your palate sing with joy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking for a quick and impressive side dish, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are fresh and of high quality. Wash the arugula leaves thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
- Place hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The nuts are ready when they become fragrant and develop a light golden-brown color. Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts using a sharp knife, creating varied sizes for texture. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Place the clean, dry arugula leaves in a large serving bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the leaves and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle the chopped toasted hazelnuts evenly over the dressed arugula.
- Finish the salad by generously grating Parmesan cheese on top, allowing it to fall naturally over the salad.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the arugula and the warm, nutty flavor of the hazelnuts.
Tips
- Always use the freshest arugula possible – look for bright green leaves with no wilting or yellowing.
- Toasting hazelnuts is an art: watch them carefully and stir frequently to prevent burning. The moment you smell their nutty aroma, they're ready!
- For maximum flavor, toast the hazelnuts just before serving to keep them crisp and warm.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar to elevate the dressing.
- Don't overdress the salad – start with a little dressing and add more if needed to keep the arugula crisp.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or seared salmon to make this a complete meal.
- Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the perfect texture and temperature of the nuts and greens.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
