Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan is a bright and peppery dish that’s perfect as a light lunch or a fresh side. With a simple lemon-honey dressing and the bold bite of Parmesan, it comes together in minutes and tastes delightfully refreshing.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Add the arugula to the bowl and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly with the dressing. Top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the salad.
- Swap lemon juice for balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter dressing.
- If you prefer less peppery greens, mix arugula with baby spinach or mixed greens.
Storage
This salad is best served fresh. If you need to store it, keep the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan instead of shaved?
Yes, pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch, but shaved Parmesan provides a nicer texture and appearance for this salad.
Is arugula the only green that works in this salad?
While arugula’s peppery flavor is key, you can mix in milder greens like baby spinach or romaine to adjust the taste to your preference.
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Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups (serves 4) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant arugula salad tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, a touch of honey for sweetness, and topped with delicate shaved Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a light appetizer or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified to form a balanced vinaigrette.
- Toss the Salad: Add the fresh arugula leaves to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the arugula to ensure each leaf is evenly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor absorption.
- Add Parmesan and Serve: Top the dressed arugula salad with the shaved Parmesan cheese. Optionally, sprinkle with a bit more freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the honey amount according to your preferred sweetness.
- Shave the Parmesan thinly using a vegetable peeler for the best texture.
- Serve immediately after tossing to keep the arugula crisp.
- Can be paired with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Arugula Salad, Parmesan Salad, Lemon Vinaigrette, Fresh Salad, Italian Salad, Healthy Salad

