When it comes to weeknight dinners, I’m always hunting for that perfect balance: something hearty and comforting, paired with something light and bright to cut through the richness. Enter the humble arugula salad. It’s not flashy. It’s not fussy. But it delivers big on fresh, punchy flavor with almost no effort.

What I love most about a lemony arugula salad is how versatile it is. You can pair it with creamy pastas, roasted meats, or even pile it on top of a pizza slice (trust me, it’s a vibe). The sharp pepperiness of arugula meets the zesty tang of fresh lemon juice, and when you toss in a handful of shaved parmesan or toasted pine nuts? Chef’s kiss.
Even better, this salad comes together in under five minutes. No chopping, no fancy dressings, no endless prep — just a quick toss and you’re good to go. It’s the kind of side dish that makes you feel like you tried even when dinner was mostly pulled from the freezer.
So next time you’re serving a cozy main dish, remember: that crisp, lemony arugula salad is the secret hero that brings the whole plate together. Easy, fresh, and guaranteed to make your weeknight dinner feel a little more special.
Lemony Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash the arugula as necessary and dry. Transfer to a large serving bowl
- Zest the lemon and add to the arugula
- Juice the lemon and add to the arugula
- Add the olive oil and toss everything to combine
- Add the parmesan shavings and pine nuts, if using
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve
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