Best Arugula Salad With Walnut Vinaigrette For Two Recipes

Arugula Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette for Two Recipes

Arugula salad with walnut vinaigrette is a perfect combination of fresh greens, toasted walnuts, and tangy vinaigrette. This salad is a great way to start your meal on a light note, or can also be served as a side dish for any main course. There are many variations of this salad available, but we have picked two of the easiest and most delicious arugula salad recipes for two that you can prepare at home.

Arugula Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette and Parmesan Cheese

This is a simple yet elegant salad that can be prepared in just a few minutes. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this salad:

• 4 cups fresh arugula leaves
• ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

To prepare the salad, start by mixing the vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Gradually add the olive oil while whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is emulsified. Next, place the arugula leaves in a salad bowl, add the chopped shallot and toasted walnuts, and toss the ingredients together. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss again until the leaves are evenly coated. Top the salad with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Arugula Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese, and Cranberries

If you are looking for a more complex salad with added flavor and texture, this recipe might be perfect for you. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this salad for two:

• 4 cups fresh arugula leaves
• ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 2 oz crumbled blue cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

To prepare the salad, begin by mixing the vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until fully combined. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified. Next, place the arugula leaves in a salad bowl, add the chopped shallot and toasted walnuts, and toss the ingredients together. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss again until the leaves are evenly coated. Add the blue cheese crumbles and dried cranberries on top of the salad and serve it immediately.

Conclusion

Arugula salad with walnut vinaigrette is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy fresh greens. Whether you choose to add Parmesan cheese or blue cheese and cranberries, both of these salad recipes are sure to be a hit at your next meal. So why not try making them for yourself and see how easy it can be to prepare a healthy and delicious salad in no time.

When it comes to salads, the arugula salad with walnut vinaigrette is a classic recipe that is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, arugula is not only healthy but also tastes great. The nutty flavor of the walnuts beautifully complements the sharpness of the arugula, making this salad a perfect choice for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party. Here are some tips to keep in mind while making arugula salad with walnut vinaigrette for two.

Tip #1: Choose Fresh and Crispy Arugula

When making the arugula salad with walnut vinaigrette, choosing fresh and crispy arugula is the key to a successful outcome. Look for arugula that has a bright green color and is not wilted or yellowing. Fresher arugula will also have a sharper flavor, which is desirable for this recipe.

Pro-tip:

If you are not sure about the freshness of the arugula, you can revive it by soaking it in cold water for a few minutes before using.

Tip #2: Use Quality Walnuts and Toast Them

When it comes to making the walnut vinaigrette, the quality of the walnuts that you use can make a big difference. Choose walnuts that are fresh and have a rich, buttery flavor. Toasting the walnuts will bring out their flavors and make them crispy and crunchy.

Pro-tip:

When toasting the walnuts, be sure to keep an eye on them and avoid burning them, as burned walnuts can have a bitter taste.

Tip #3: Use High-Quality Olive Oil and Vinegar

Using high-quality olive oil and vinegar is essential for making the walnut vinaigrette. The olive oil should be extra-virgin and have a fruity aroma and a smooth texture. The vinegar could be balsamic or red wine vinegar, depending on your preference.

Pro-tip:

When combining the olive oil and vinegar, use a whisk to ensure that they emulsify and don't separate.

Tip #4: Add Some Sweetness

The bitterness of the arugula and the nuttiness of the walnuts can be balanced by adding some sweetness to the salad. You can add sweetness by using honey, fruit, or other natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup.

Pro-tip:

Try using dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds to add a pop of color and sweetness to the salad.

Tip #5: Add Some Texture and Flavor

Adding some texture and flavor to the arugula salad can take it from good to great. You can add texture by using different types of nuts, seeds, or croutons. For flavor, you can add some cheese, such as feta or Parmesan.

Pro-tip:

Experiment with different toppings to find the ones that work best for you.

Tip #6: Don't Overdress the Salad

While it's important to have enough dressing to coat the arugula and walnuts, you don't want to overpower the salad with too much dressing. The dressing should complement the flavors of the salad, not drown them out.

Pro-tip:

Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed, tasting as you go.

Conclusion

These tips will help you make a delicious and nutritious arugula salad with walnut vinaigrette for two. Remember, the key to making a great salad is using quality ingredients and balancing the flavors and textures. Experiment with different toppings and seasonings, and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful and healthy salad.