Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad Recipe for Light Lunches

Arugula salad unleashes a verdant symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with wild abandon.

These emerald leaves pack a spicy, sophisticated punch that transforms ordinary dining into a gourmet adventure.

Crisp and bold, arugula brings an electrifying kick to every forkful of this vibrant dish.

Delicate yet fierce, the peppery greens create a magical contrast against smooth, velvety dressings that caress each leaf.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a culinary masterpiece that feels both luxurious and effortlessly chic.

Nutrient-dense and bursting with personality, this salad promises a sensory journey that will awaken your taste buds and elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent.

Check out a recipe that celebrates fresh, zesty brilliance and turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 4

Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad Ingredient Guide

• Arugula: Choose bright green leaves without wilting or brown spots, ensuring maximum crispness and peppery flavor.

• Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select ripe, firm lemons with smooth skin and high-quality cold-pressed olive oil for vibrant, authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Kosher Salt: Opt for pure, flaky salt that dissolves easily and enhances natural ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for robust, aromatic warmth.

• Parmesan Cheese: Select aged, authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano with crystalline texture and rich, nutty undertones for elegant, sophisticated garnish.

Equipment Checklist for Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad

• Salad Spinner: Essential for drying leafy greens thoroughly and quickly.
• Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious bowl for tossing and preparing the arugula salad.
• Small Bowl: Used for whisking together the citrus dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the lemon juice and olive oil smoothly.
• Salad Tongs or Large Spoons: Helps evenly coat arugula with dressing.
• Sharp Vegetable Peeler or Knife: Creates delicate Parmesan cheese shavings.
• Serving Plates: Clean plates for elegant presentation of the salad.

Making Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad Step-by-Step

• Prepare Vibrant Greens

Trim any tough stems from the arugula and rinse leaves carefully under cool water. Spin dry completely to remove excess moisture, creating a crisp base for your salad.

• Whip Up Tangy Dressing

Create a zesty vinaigrette by blending fresh lemon juice with rich olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

• Dress And Toss Salad

Pour the bright citrus dressing over the arugula leaves. Gently tumble the greens using tongs, ensuring each leaf gets a light, even coating of the vibrant dressing.

• Finish With Elegant Touches

Transfer the dressed arugula to serving plates. Use a sharp peeler to create delicate ribbons of Parmesan cheese, letting them cascade gracefully over the top of the salad. Serve immediately to capture the peak of freshness and crisp texture.

Fresh Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange to create unique dressing variations that elevate the salad's zesty profile.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for pecorino romano, manchego, or aged gouda to introduce new depth and richness to the classic arugula salad.
• Add Protein Power: Transform this light side into a complete meal by topping with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra substance and protein boost.
• Texture Enhancement Trick: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds to introduce a delightful crunch that complements the peppery arugula leaves.

Serve Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad with Flair

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Complement this zesty arugula salad with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or pan-roasted tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Enhance with Bread Delight: Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or crispy garlic crostini to soak up the tangy lemon vinaigrette and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Create Wine Harmony: Match the salad's bright flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to elevate the dining experience and balance the peppery arugula notes.
• Build Stunning Presentation: Arrange the salad on a white ceramic plate, letting the vibrant green arugula and delicate Parmesan shavings create a visually stunning appetizer that impresses guests instantly.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad

• Preserve Freshness: Store unwashed arugula in a sealed container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The paper towels absorb excess moisture, preventing wilting and maintaining crisp texture.
• Dressing Separation Strategy: Keep the lemon vinaigrette in a sealed jar separately from the greens. Refrigerate dressing for up to one week, allowing you to dress the salad just before serving to maintain optimal crispness.
• Smart Prep Technique: Wash and dry arugula leaves completely before storage. Pat leaves gently with clean kitchen towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess water, preventing premature spoilage.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Chop Parmesan cheese shavings ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These can be prepared up to two days in advance, saving last-minute preparation time and adding convenience to your meal planning.

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s arugula salad brings Italian elegance to your table with a simple yet sophisticated blend of peppery greens and zesty lemon dressing. Fresh ingredients and classic techniques combine for a light, refreshing side that completes you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226 g) arugula (3 large bunches)
• ¼ lb (113 g) Parmesan cheese (high-quality chunk)
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed, 2 lemons)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously cleanse arugula under cool water, discarding any wilted or damaged leaves. Thoroughly dry using a salad spinner or kitchen towel to ensure crisp texture.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Craft a zesty dressing by blending fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk energetically until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive emulsion.
3. Dressing Application: Gently cascade the vibrant vinaigrette over the pristine arugula leaves, using a delicate tossing technique to ensure uniform coating without compromising the greens’ delicate structure.
4. Parmesan Garnish: Elegantly adorn the salad with gossamer-thin Parmesan shavings, created using a precise vegetable peeler or specialized cheese knife. Distribute the cheese fragments with artistic consideration across the verdant landscape.
5. Serving: Present the salad immediately, capturing the peak of its fresh, peppery essence and maintaining the crisp, invigorating character of the dish.

Notes

• Rinse Carefully: Remove roots and damaged leaves to ensure only fresh, crisp arugula makes it to your plate.
• Dressing Technique: Whisk vinaigrette ingredients vigorously to create a smooth, well-emulsified sauce that coats leaves evenly.
• Cheese Shaving Pro Tip: Use a sharp vegetable peeler or cheese knife to create elegant Parmesan shards for a professional presentation.
• Serve Immediately: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the arugula’s delicate texture and prevent wilting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg