A simple arugula salad is amazingly versatile: This delicate, peppery green provides a perfect blank canvas that works well with a variety of flavors. We're sharing our favorite arugula salads in this recipe collection!
When I make a quick salad on busy weeknights, there's a 90% chance it starts with fresh arugula. Its delicate texture and bright, peppery flavor make this spicy green a great base for a variety of different toppings and dressings.
Below, I'll walk you through a few tips for buying (and storing!) fresh arugula, my go-to salad formula (perfect for using up whatever you have in the fridge!) and a few of my team's favorite arugula salad recipes.
Jump to:
- Buying arugula
- How to prevent arugula from wilting
- Arugula salad formula
- Salad dressing ideas
- Our favorite recipe
- Arugula salad recipes
- Arugula Farro Salad with White Beans and Pesto
- Quick Tortellini Arugula Salad
- Peach Arugula Salad
- Arugula Pear Salad with Toasted Pecans
- Arugula and Roasted Carrot Salad
- Grilled Chicken Arugula Salad with Pears and Walnuts
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
- Arugula Salad with Parmigiano and Pine Nuts
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
Buying arugula
At the grocery store, I tend to buy pre-washed baby arugula that's ready to use right out of the container. If you're grabbing fresh arugula from the farmers' market, a CSA, or a bulk bin at the store, give it a good rinse and spin in a salad spinner so it's clean, dry, and ready to use.
As you're shopping, keep in mind that fresh arugula leaves can vary in size: While grocery stores often carry the smallest, most delicate greens, fresh arugula from the farmers' market or your home garden can often get quite large.
Fun Fact: Outside the US and Canada, arugula is also known as rocket or rucola.
How to prevent arugula from wilting
The key to preventing wilted, slimy arugula: Eliminating moisture during storage. The easiest way to do this is to place a paper towel or napkin under the fresh greens in your container. You can also invest in a specialty storage container to extend the life of your greens: I use and like this OXO produce keeper.
If you see wilted leaves, just pick them out and toss them in the trash or compost as you find them.
Pro Tip: When I bring a carton of pre-washed arugula home from the store, I immediately place a paper towel over the top of the greens, re-attach the lid, and then store the container upside down in the fridge (so the paper towel is below the greens and can catch excess moisture).
Arugula salad formula
You don't need a formal recipe to make a great arugula salad! When I'm making a simple salad on the fly, I tend to include four main categories:
- Fresh arugula is our MVP. Plan on 1-2 large handfuls of greens per person.
- Add extra veggies or fruits to give your salad some personality.
- Cheese adds depth and dimension. Feta cheese, pecorino, goat cheese, or shaved parmesan cheese are all delicious in arugula salads.
- Texture and crunch. Almonds, seeds, croutons, toasted garlic breadcrumbs, radishes, cucumbers, and snap peas are great for adding a crispy bite to any salad.
Salads are easy to eyeball: Use as much (or as little) of each component as you like! Just your arugula salad ingredients together in a large bowl with your favorite dressing, then serve immediately.
For a heartier salad that holds its own as a main course, add protein (I love beans, shredded chicken, or grilled salmon) or a scoop of cooked grains (like quinoa, farro, or barley).
Our favorite recipe
This classic lemon arugula salad is ready in just five minutes with a simple lemon dijon dressing. It's delicious on its own as a bright side salad, heaped on top of a prosciutto pizza or some pasta, or as the base for your favorite veggies and proteins.
Arugula salad recipes
Arugula Farro Salad with White Beans and Pesto
This hearty arugula salad uses canned cannellini beans, cooked farro, and a simple pesto vinaigrette.
Quick Tortellini Arugula Salad
This quick and easy tortellini salad is perfect for summer - only 5 ingredients needed!
Peach Arugula Salad
A quick balsamic vinaigrette brings this peach salad to life. A great way to use fresh peaches from your summer farmers markets!
Photo & Recipe: Ahead of Thyme
Arugula Pear Salad with Toasted Pecans
This easy arugula salad features arugula and pears for a simple (but elegant!) side dish that's ready in just a few minutes. Swap the pears for apples if you like!
Arugula and Roasted Carrot Salad
Roasted carrots give this arugula salad a hearty, cozy base. Tossed with a simple dressing of lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Photo & Recipe: Ahead of Thyme
Grilled Chicken Arugula Salad with Pears and Walnuts
This easy arugula chicken salad features grilled chicken, fresh pear slices, and toasted walnuts. Easy to customize!
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad has tangy goat cheese, fresh strawberries, peppery arugula, and creamy avocado for the perfect spring lunch.
Photo & Recipe: Sweet Tea & Thyme
Arugula Salad with Parmigiano and Pine Nuts
Get a taste of Italy with this simple arugula salad with Parmigiano, pine nuts and lemon vinaigrette.
Photo & Recipe: Coley Cooks
→ Love these recipes? Check out our best spinach salads, or browse our full salad recipe collection.
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