winter salad eats: arugula 2 ways

winter salad eats: arugula 2 ways

I love arugula and it’s starting to be an addiction. What I don’t like are those plastic boxes it comes in – you know, the organic stuff from California? I hate waste and seeing those plastic boxes piled up in my recycling bin doesn’t make me feel too good. And while those boxes do make excellent storage for sewing notions and other bits, bobs and loose ends, I only have so much shelf space. If I could belong to an arugula-and-garlic-only CSA I’d be one happy customer.

The salad that started my addiction is a super simple one. The arugula has such a good bitter bite that it doesn’t need much. Just a squeeze of lemon, a bit of oil and a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese. That’s it. It tastes simple, rustic and totally satisfying. Not something you’d expect to hear when describing a green salad. Serve it at a dinner party and you’ll have people asking for the recipe. The recipe I’ve given below says it serves 2 people, but really, I could eat the whole thing in one go.

arugula salad with lemon caper vinaigrette | everybody likes sandwiches

The second salad version has a bit more going on. I was inspired by the Rucola con Limone salad at Via Tevere, the new-ish pizza joint in our neighbourhood. Along with the arugula, lemon and Parmesan, there’s a good smattering of capers and raw strips of red onion along for the ride. It’s an excellent combo. Don’t fear the raw onion – I soak them in ice water for 15-30 minutes which renders them relatively harmless but perfectly crunchy.

elsewhere: Love grapefruit? Hate grapefruit? Head to Poppytalk and get my recipe for a grapefruit ginger brûlée. It makes grapefruit converts. Truth!

super simple arugula salad | everybody likes sandwiches

arugula salad with lemon caper vinaigrette

17 comments to “winter salad eats: arugula 2 ways”

  1. 1
    Joanne   December 5, 2012 at 3:28 am

    The caper addition is an awesome idea! Arugula is by far my favorite salad green and I’m always looking for ways to spruce it up.

  2. 2
    emmycooks   December 5, 2012 at 9:21 am

    Capers! Good idea. And may I recommend toasted walnuts as an addition to the first salad? That’s one of my all-time favorites as well.

  3. 3
    Nicole   December 5, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Oh my, I love arugula, too! I could probably eat it every day and I would also love an arugular/garlic CSA 🙂 It always makes me think of the Barefoot Contessa’s White Pizza with lemony arugula on top. I made it long ago and it was the moment I fell in love with arugula. You’re so right, just a little lemon and Parm..mmmm. I’ll have to try capers next time!

  4. 4
    Lydia   December 5, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Yes, I had that salad when I went to Via Tevere and it is awesome. So is arugula on pizza.
    The arugula salad I make is inspired by the now-closed Refuel, and is similar to yours, but I omit the parmesan, add some minced garlic, and make it *super* lemony!

  5. 5
    Joanne (Bijoux)   December 5, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    I know, I feel the same way about the plastic salad containers which is why I try not to buy them as much anymore. Especially since I can never get through the container in time before the greens begin to go mushy.

    Both salads sound delicious to me and I love parmesan on just about everything. These salads are so easy to re-create too! Must give hazelnut oil a try.

  6. 6
    Lori Fredrich (@Burp_Blog)   December 5, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    I’m such a sucker for the peppery bite of arugula. And, as far as winter greens go, it’s my favorite. Needs so little to really make them shine.

    The hazelnut oil is a pretty brilliant move, if I do say so.

  7. 7
    Connie L (Real Food Family Meals)   December 5, 2012 at 8:15 pm

    I have never had arugula! I must try it now. Your pictures of the salad are beautiful, by the way:)

  8. 8
    Jess   December 6, 2012 at 12:02 am

    My husband is an arugula salad fiend – I’ll have to try this version! I agree completely though – there’s got to be a better way than those big plastic boxes they so often sell it in.

  9. 9
    kickpleat   December 7, 2012 at 12:46 am

    Joanne, it’s really great with capers – the bitter greens stand up well with all that flavour!

    Okay, emmycooks, sounds good. I’ll add it to my next salad. Thanks!

    Nicole, I love arugula on pizza! Now, I’m having cravings 🙂

    Oooh, Lydia, garlic is a great addition. I’ll try it – but probably with some cheese too!

    Bijoux, the arugula comes in smaller containers than those larger mixed greens bins. Still, it’s a lot of plastic.

    Thanks Lori!

    Connie, what are you waiting for? It’s a great green. Thanks!

    Yes, what’s with those boxes, jess?! Geez.

  10. 10
    Marie   December 10, 2012 at 6:19 am

    I’m with you, I love arugula also, will be making this salad tonight!

  11. 11
    kickpleat   December 10, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    Thanks Marie, hope you enjoy!

  12. 12
    vanillasugarblog   December 13, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    hazelnut oil
    yes of course!
    excellent idea!

  13. 13
    kickpleat   December 14, 2012 at 9:25 am

    Thanks vsb!! It’s a good oil 🙂

  14. 14
    KA   January 9, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    I must thank you for this post. I have been making double batches of the second salad (with the lemon caper dressing) 3+ times per week since you posted it. Seriously. Thank. You. Havent been able to get our hands on any arugula for the last couple of weeks so we have been using curly endive which actually works really well. It softens a little overnight but doesn’t get soggy and makes for a great lunch the next day. Once again thanks for the amazing recipe !!

  15. 15
    kickpleat   January 11, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    KA, so glad you love the salad! I’m sure the curly endive would be a great replacement. Thanks for commenting.

  16. 16
    Katrin   February 27, 2013 at 8:14 am

    Hi, Lady! Hazelnut oil!? Brilliant! Going to have to try that. I think I go thru almost as much arugula as you. If you do find an *unboxed* source, please let me know!!

  17. 17
    kickpleat   February 27, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Katrin, the farmer’s market should have some and if you’re the Katrin I know in person, then A1 food market (I think that’s what it’s called – across from the Mercato) on the Drive carries it often!

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