Zesty Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts and Parmesan
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Zesty Arugula Salad, a perfect balance of peppery arugula, crunchy pine nuts, and rich shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. This salad not only makes for a fantastic starter but also serves beautifully as a side dish. Tossed in a homemade Dijon mustard vinaigrette, it combines the sweetness of raisins with the nuttiness of pine nuts, creating a delightful flavor profile that will impress your guests. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a healthy lunch at home!
N/A
Servings
95
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Arugula
6 cups (leafy, washed and dried)
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (toasted)
Raisins
1/4 cup (none)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup (shaved)
Shallot
1/2 (roughly chopped)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Cider vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Lemon
1/2 (juice only)
Kosher salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. In a blender, combine the roughly chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Blend the mixture until it is well emulsified and frothy, resulting in a creamy dressing full of flavor.
3
In a large serving bowl, add the leafy arugula, toasted pine nuts, and raisins.
4
Drizzle the vinaigrette generously over the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the arugula is well coated.
5
Finally, sprinkle the shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano on top. Serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant meal.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Zesty Arugula Salad?
The main ingredients include arugula, toasted pine nuts, raisins, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 95 calories per serving of this salad.
Is the Zesty Arugula Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What type of dressing is used for this salad?
The salad is tossed in a homemade Dijon mustard vinaigrette made with shallots, cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and sugar.
How should the pine nuts be prepared?
The pine nuts should be toasted to enhance their flavor and add crunch to the salad.
Can I substitute the Parmigiano-Reggiano?
Yes, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if preferred.
What is the protein content of this salad?
This salad contains 2.5g of protein per serving.
How do I make the vinaigrette creamy?
Blending the ingredients in a blender until well emulsified will create a frothy, creamy dressing.
What gives the salad its 'zesty' flavor?
The zestiness comes from the peppery arugula combined with fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard in the dressing.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 7.5g of fat per serving.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using cider vinegar.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It is best to serve immediately after tossing to ensure the arugula stays fresh and vibrant, though the dressing can be made in advance.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
The salad has approximately 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of shallot preparation is required?
The shallot should be roughly chopped before being blended into the vinaigrette.
How much arugula do I need?
You will need 6 cups of leafy arugula, washed and dried.
Are raisins necessary for this recipe?
The raisins add a sweetness that balances the peppery arugula and salty cheese, but they can be omitted if preferred.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It works beautifully as a starter, a side dish, or a healthy light lunch.
Does this recipe use fresh lemon?
Yes, it uses the juice of half a lemon for the vinaigrette.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Is the arugula supposed to be cooked?
No, the arugula is served fresh and leafy as a salad base.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended to season the dressing to taste.
Can I substitute pine nuts with another nut?
Yes, walnuts or slivered almonds would be excellent alternatives if pine nuts are unavailable.
How much Parmigiano-Reggiano should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this salad?
It features a balance of peppery, nutty, sweet, and salty flavors.
Is this salad considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick' recipe, perfect for fast meal preparation.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard in the dressing?
The Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier to bind the oil and vinegar while adding a sharp flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What type of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best taste.