The Simplest EVER – but So Very Tasty!
Super simple, but very gourmet, this salad takes no time to put together but tastes like you are eating at a fancy Italian restaurant!
I love how the citrusy and sweet vinaigrette pairs with the saltiness of the shaved Parmesan to add a nice bright, tart dressing for the arugula. Add the rich and buttery nuttiness of toasted pine nuts and you have a perfect salad that took less than 10 minutes to make!
This is a simple everyday salad for a quick lunch or as a side salad but also an elegant addition to a dinner party menu.
My recipe for a perfect vinaigrette for this salad uses equal parts of oil and vinegar, with a tablespoon of maple syrup to help emulsify the dressing and lend sweetness. BE BRAVE and change out the emulsifier to a teaspoon of honey mustard or Dijon mustard for some variation.
Let’s make more salads this spring and summer!
Fresh Arugula and Parmesan Salad
Ingredients
(* indicates my preferred ingredients – see notes for alternatives)
8 oz arugula
3 tablespoons O&V Basil EVOO *
3 tablespoons O&V Limoncello vinegar *
1 seedless English cucumber, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon O&V Runamok Maple Syrup *
Shaved parmesan cheese
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Whisk together the oil, vinegar and maple syrup in a measuring cup. Season with salt and pepper.
Dice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes, and shave the parmesan cheese.
Toss the arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, together and pour dressing over the salad. Toss well.
Top with shaved parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.
Serves 2-3
Active time 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes
Notes
* The Basil EVOO has a wonderfully fresh and herbaceous flavor. Paired with the Limoncello Vinegar and Runamok Maple Syrup, this dressing has a wonderful citrusy and sweet flavor that complements the spicy arugula.
You can certainly replace the Basil oil with an Unflavored oil but the Limoncello Vinegar has a unique sweet, tart and citrusy flavor that is hard to replicate. Feel free to use honey or your favorite true maple syrup for the emulsifier if you prefer.
All highlighted products are available at Oil & Vinegar stores
Categories: Gluten Free, Dairy Free Option, Soups and Salads, Sides, Simple Salad, Arugula Salad, Runamok Maple Syrup, Limoncello Vinegar, Basil EVOO, Crostini Oregano, Snack Toast Oregano and Tomato
