Lemon Vinaigrette Arugula Parmesan (Printable)

Zesty lemon dressing coats fresh arugula topped with delicate Parmesan shavings and optional pine nuts.

# What You Need:

→ Salad

01 - 5 ounces fresh arugula
02 - 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
03 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, optional

→ Lemon Vinaigrette

04 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1/2 teaspoon honey
08 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
09 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
10 - 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
02 - Place the arugula in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette and toss gently to coat all leaves evenly.
03 - Add the shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts if using. Toss lightly once more to combine.
04 - Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan shavings if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready before you've even finished setting the table, which means no sweating over a hot stove when you're already hungry.
  • The vinaigrette is so good you'll find yourself drizzling it on roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and probably everything else in your fridge.
  • Peppery arugula paired with bright lemon feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a quiet Tuesday lunch.
02 -
  • Don't make the vinaigrette too far ahead or it gets watery and sad—it's one of those things that lives its best life in the moment.
  • Wet arugula is the enemy; pat it dry after washing, because water clinging to the leaves will dilute your carefully balanced dressing.
03 -
  • Chill your salad bowl for five minutes before serving if your kitchen is warm; cold bowls keep the arugula crisp and the whole experience more refreshing.
  • The secret to Parmesan shavings is using a vegetable peeler rather than a microplane, which gives you those beautiful, delicate ribbons that taste like luxury despite being incredibly simple.
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