Zesty Arugula Salad with Cranberries and Almonds
Elevate your salad game with this Zesty Arugula Salad featuring fresh baby arugula, toasted almonds, and sweet dried cranberries. Perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish, this salad is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette, infused with garlic and Dijon mustard, ties all the ingredients together, adding depth and a delightful tang. Serve chilled for a refreshing dish that impresses at dinner parties or picnics. This visually appealing salad is a great way to enjoy summer's best greens all year round.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh baby arugula
8 cups (washed and roughly chopped if desired)
Red onion
1 medium (finely sliced)
Slivered almonds
1/2 cup (toasted)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic clove
1 (peeled and smashed)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1 pinch (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the vinaigrette. In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, smashed garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and sugar. Whisk together until the sugar and salt dissolve, forming a smooth mixture.
2
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. Once well combined, set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In a large serving bowl, add the fresh baby arugula, finely sliced red onion, toasted slivered almonds, and dried cranberries. Toss them gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients without bruising the delicate arugula leaves.
5
Divide the salad among plates and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary greens used in this salad?
The salad uses 8 cups of fresh baby arugula, which provides a zesty and peppery base.
What kind of nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of toasted slivered almonds for a crunchy texture.
Is the Zesty Arugula Salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients including the balsamic vinaigrette are plant-based, making it a vegan dish.
How do I prepare the garlic for the dressing?
One garlic clove should be peeled and smashed to infuse the vinaigrette with flavor.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar as the acidic base for the homemade vinaigrette.
Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes, while dried cranberries add sweetness, you could substitute them with raisins or dried cherries if preferred.
What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the vinaigrette?
Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar stay combined while adding a slight tang.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be finely sliced to ensure it distributes evenly without overpowering the salad.
Should I toast the almonds?
Yes, the recipe specifies using toasted slivered almonds to enhance their nutty flavor.
When is the best time to add the dressing to the salad?
You should drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The dressing includes just one pinch of sugar to help balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can the arugula be chopped?
The baby arugula can be roughly chopped if you prefer smaller, more manageable bite-sized pieces.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It is best served chilled and immediately after tossing with the dressing for the best texture.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is a great picnic dish, though it is recommended to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat.
What seasoning is used?
The salad is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the vinegar mixture while continuously whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Can I add cheese to this arugula salad?
While the recipe is vegan, you could easily add goat cheese or feta for extra creaminess if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the components for both the salad and the dressing.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The natural peppery flavor of the baby arugula combined with the garlic and Dijon mustard in the dressing provides the zest.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor, but you could use a neutral oil like avocado oil if necessary.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
This specific recipe focuses on the flavors of fresh garlic and ground pepper rather than dried herbs.
What should the consistency of the dressing be?
The dressing should be smooth and well-emulsified so that it coats the leaves evenly.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How many cups of salad does this make?
The recipe starts with 8 cups of arugula, making it a large salad suitable for several people.
What is the best tool for mixing the dressing?
A whisk and a mixing bowl are ideal for ensuring the oil and vinegar emulsify properly.
Are the cranberries fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
Is this a good side dish for dinner parties?
Yes, its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile make it an excellent choice for entertaining guests.
What can I use if I don't have red onions?
Shallots would be an excellent substitute as they provide a similar but milder onion flavor.