Are you looking for a refreshing twist on traditional salads? Look no further! Arugula, with its peppery flavor and delicate texture, pairs perfectly with sweet and tangy fruits and crunchy nuts. In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious arugula salad recipes that combine the best of both worlds.
From classic combinations like strawberries and balsamic glaze to more adventurous pairings like mango and avocado, these salads are sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and fruity or savory and tangy, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to hit the spot.
So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and discover new ways to enjoy arugula with fruit and nuts! In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 20 recipes, exploring the flavor combinations and techniques that make them shine. Let’s start our culinary adventure today!
Arugula salad with strawberries and balsamic glaze
This refreshing salad combines peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, and tangy balsamic glaze for a delightful fusion of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (see note)
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and sliced strawberries.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss to coat.
3. If using goat cheese, crumble it over the salad and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Note: To make your own balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 1/2 cup sugar over low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened to your liking. Let cool before using.
Arugula and peach salad with honey dressing
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula, the sweetness of ripe peaches, and a drizzle of honey for a perfect summer treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and diced peaches.
2. If using pecans, sprinkle them over the salad.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
4. Drizzle the honey dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Arugula, watermelon, and feta salad with mint
This Arugula, watermelon, and feta salad with mint is a light and revitalizing treat perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 small seedless watermelon, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and chopped mint.
2. Arrange the diced watermelon on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the watermelon.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Arugula and pear salad with candied walnuts
This salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the sweetness of pears and the crunch of candied walnuts for a delightful winter treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 ripe Bartlett pears, diced
– 1/4 cup candied walnuts (see below)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Candied Walnuts:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss 1/2 cup walnut halves with 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until caramelized.
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, diced pears, and crumbled blue cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle candied walnuts on top and serve.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Arugula salad with figs and goat cheese
A sweet and savory combination of peppery arugula, caramelized figs, and creamy goat cheese creates a delightful salad perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup fresh figs, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss arugula with a pinch of salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl.
3. Arrange figs on top of the arugula.
4. Crumble goat cheese over the figs.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the salad.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the salad.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Arugula and citrus salad with toasted almonds
This refreshing salad is a perfect combination of peppery arugula, tangy citrus, and crunchy toasted almonds. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish or light lunch that’s sure to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds
– 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 lemon, peeled and segmented
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, orange juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Toss to coat.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the salad and toss gently.
4. Top with orange and lemon segments.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Arugula salad with blueberries and lemon vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the natural sweetness of blueberries, all tied together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and blueberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the arugula mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Arugula and apple salad with maple dressing
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with sweet and crunchy apples, all tied together with a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and diced apple.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Arugula, mango, and avocado salad
This refreshing salad combines peppery arugula with sweet mango and creamy avocado, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, mango, and avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Arugula salad with blackberries and citrus dressing
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with sweet blackberries and a zesty citrus dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and blackberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Arugula and grapefruit salad with pistachios
This salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit, all tied together with crunchy pistachios and a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula leaves.
2. Arrange the grapefruit segments on top of the arugula.
3. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the grapefruit.
4. Drizzle the honey over the salad, allowing it to coat the ingredients evenly.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Arugula salad with pineapple and coconut flakes
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the sweetness of pineapple and the nutty taste of coconut flakes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and pineapple chunks.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the arugula mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle shredded coconut flakes over the top of the salad and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Arugula and kiwi salad with honey-lime dressing
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the sweetness of kiwi, all tied together with a zesty honey-lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and kiwi slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Tips:
– Use ripe but firm kiwis for the best texture.
– Adjust the amount of honey and lime juice to your taste preferences.
Arugula salad with raspberries and dark chocolate shavings
This sweet and savory salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the tartness of raspberries, topped with dark chocolate shavings for a rich and indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Shaved almonds or pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and raspberries.
2. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, tossing to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Shave the melted chocolate into thin strips using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife.
6. Toss the chocolate shavings over the salad.
7. Garnish with shaved almonds or pecans, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Arugula and pomegranate salad with toasted pecans
A sweet and tangy salad that combines peppery arugula, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted pecans.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup toasted pecan halves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine arugula, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including toasting pecans)
Arugula salad with cantaloupe and prosciutto
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the sweetness of cantaloupe, crispy prosciutto, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for warm weather, this light and flavorful dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cantaloupe, diced
– 6 slices prosciutto, torn into strips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and cantaloupe.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
3. Add prosciutto strips and toss gently to combine.
4. Squeeze balsamic vinegar over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Arugula and apricot salad with goat cheese crumbles
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula, the sweetness of dried apricots, and the creamy tang of goat cheese for a perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and chopped apricots.
2. Crumble goat cheese over the salad.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Arugula salad with cherries and almond slivers
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the sweetness of cherries, crunch of almond slivers, and a hint of tanginess from crumbled goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup almond slivers
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and cherry halves.
2. Sprinkle almond slivers over the top of the salad.
3. Crumble goat cheese into small pieces and scatter over the salad.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Arugula and plum salad with creamy yogurt dressing
A sweet and tangy salad that combines the earthy flavor of arugula with the sweetness of plums, all tied together with a creamy yogurt dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 ripe plums, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss arugula with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 5-7 minutes or until slightly wilted.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add roasted arugula, plums, and parsley to the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Arugula salad with nectarines and toasted sesame seeds
This refreshing salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula, the sweetness of nectarines, and the nutty taste of toasted sesame seeds for a delightful summer treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 ripe nectarines, diced
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and nectarine slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these 20 refreshing arugula salad recipes featuring fruit and nuts! From sweet and tangy combinations like strawberries and balsamic glaze to savory pairings like watermelon and feta, each recipe is a delightful twist on the classic green. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity like mango and avocado or nutty like candied walnuts and pear, there’s an arugula salad here that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Treat yourself to a flavorful and healthy treat today!
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