Every item on this page was chosen by The Fed & Fit team. The site may earn a commission on some products (read more here).
This Lemon Sea Salt Arugula Salad is probably the side salad that I make the most! You just need 5 ingredients and about 2 minutes to whip this refreshing, nutritious green side dish up for the family to enjoy.
Once upon a time, I thought, “goodness, I haven’t posted anything to my Instagram Stories today!” So, while I was whipping up a quick dinner, I quickly showed the UBER simple (but UBER delicious, of course) side dish that was accompanying our grilled steaks and baked potatoes. It was a side dish that I made (and still make) ALL THE TIME. It was none other than my very most favorite salad: the Lemon Sea Salt Arugula Salad. I shared (in Stories) how this simple salad came together, settled in for dinner with my hubby, and thought nothing else of it. THEN, the notes started rolling in. Several of you MADE the salad (I’m always amazed when you make my recipes) and LOVED it! After the story series disappeared, as they do after 24 hours, I received dozens of notes asking for a repeat/repost. Even though it took me a few months, I’m finally making good on my promises to you!
What is Arugula?
Arugula has soared in popularity over the last few years, but what exactly is it? Arugula is peppery, slightly bitter leafy green cruciferous veggie also known as rocket. It’s not quite as fragile as lettuce varieties like butter or romaine, but not quite as sturdy as kale, either. It falls right in the middle – which means it holds up well to dressings, but won’t be a great choice for a make-ahead salad or for sauteeing like kale or chard.
Is arugula good for you?
Yes, arugula is a great food to incorporate into your diet as it is high in calcium and Vitamins A, K, and C. We are big proponents of including leafy greens in your daily diet whenever possible, and peppery arugula is a great one to rotate in.
Simple Arugula Salad Ingredients
Just 5 super simple ingredients yield the tastiest, goes-with-everything side salad! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Arugula – about 4 cups of fresh arugula make up the base of this simple salad.
- Olive Oil – a good drizzle of olive oil (this is my favorite), and…
- Lemon Juice – …the juice from a whole lemon (freshly squeezed is KEY here + this citrus squeezer makes that super easy) create the salad ‘dressing.’
- Sea Salt – a pinch (½ teaspoon to be exact) of sea salt, and…
- Cracked Black Pepper – …cracked black pepper are both crucial components of this simple salad + give it a *really* great flavor! Don’t skip these two!
How to Make a Simple Arugula Salad
This salad is so simple, I feel a little silly sharing it …but it’s also so good, so I know you’re in good hands if you want to give it a go! Now that the weather is cooler, arugula is back in season, so this salad can be quickly made any night of the week.
- Grab your arugula. Grab your fresh arugula and add it to a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil + season. Drizzle the arugula with a little olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon, a pinch of sea salt (crucial), and a crack of black pepper (also crucial).
- Toss + enjoy! Give it a quick toss and BOOM – a fresh, delicious side salad that will go nicely next any meal!
More Arugula Salad Toppings
If you want to take your arugula salad up a notch, here are a few more toppings to consider:
- Cheese – Shredded parmesan cheese, goat cheese, or feta would all be great options here!
- Nuts – I love a little extra crunch in my salad, so nuts are usually a go-to add-in for me. Pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or even pine nuts work great, especially if you toast them first!
- Red Onion – If you like a little bit of bite, thinly sliced, diced, or even pickled red onion pack a delicious punch.
- Dried Fruit – For a little hint of sweetness, dried cranberries or even chopped dates serve as a great contrast to the bitterness of the arugula.
What to Serve with Arugula Salad
Honestly, this simple salad goes with just about ANYTHING! I especially like it next to Italian food because the bright flavors balance out anything heavy. Here are a few of my favorite dishes to serve with this salad:
- Easy No Boil Pasta Bake
- One-Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage and Kale
- Gluten Free Pasta Primavera
- Sausage & Roasted Tomato Pasta
- Pot Roast Pasta with Green Magic Sauce
- Spaghetti Squash Meatball Boats
- Chicken Soup with Ginger and Turmeric
I hope you enjoy this simple Lemon & Sea Salt Arugula Salad as much as I do!
Just for You
Salad Recipes
Want more recipes like this?
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Place the arugula in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ingredients, toss, and serve!
Daena says
I threw this together with dinner last night (literally only took 2 minutes) and was surprised at how tasty it was!! It seemed so simple so I wasn’t expecting too much, but I really enjoyed it. The citrus flavor with the spiciness of the arugala was fantastic. A quick and yummy way to get some greens in. Thank you, Cassy!
Amber Goulden says
So glad you enjoyed it Daena!
Regan says
I’ve been having this salad almost daily for weeks now. I just throw it together in the morning and take it to work as a side salad with my lunch. I also add a pinch or two of shredded parmigiano reggiano to the mix because the saltiness and nuttiness go so well with arugula. I just wanted to drop in and say thank you for sharing!
Colleen says
This is such an awesome salad. Perfect proportions! I like to mix the “dressing” ahead of time in an empty salad bowl and lay the arugula on top, and then give it a good toss just before serving. I also like to add a couple of shaves of parm on top sometimes … yummy!
Amber Goulden says
So glad you enjoyed it Colleen! Love the addition of parmesan.
Christianne says
I’ve always hated arugula until this recipe and after I tried it, I couldn’t stop making it!! I especially love it with Parmesan on top and with salmon or lasagna! Thanks for another incredible recipe!! ❤️
Lori McEvoy says
Would any other lettuce work?
Brandi Schilhab says
Sure! Use whatever you have!!
Brandi Schilhab says
Sure! Use whatever you have!!
Josee says
I added some thinly sliced fennel, toasted pine nuts and parmesan. So good. A tiny bit more work but a very nice looking and tasting salad to bring to a dinner party as it goes well with a lot of foods.
Brandi Schilhab says
Yum! That sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing this with us, Josee!