A Salad for All Seasons: Arugula & Parmesan



This is the most simplest of salads.

It is from Ina's older book (yes, I am on a first name basis with her by now,) Barefoot Contessa Family Style.

It's a great salad during the summer when the bright sunny flavors of citrus and peppery arugula taste refreshing and actually feel cool. I mound it on top of grilled chicken and I feel the pounds melting off.

But it's also my favorite winter salad, because I can always get good fresh baby arugula in a bag and lemons are best in the winter months, so it feels healthy and fresh when you want something bright and green.

It also goes with almost any main dish. I love it before a tomato based pasta dish the best.

Use the best Parimigiano Reggiano cheese that you can buy and the best quality olive oil and you are in business.

Arugula & Parmesan Salad (adapted from Barefoot Contessa Family Style):
I cut this recipe in half when it is just the 2 of us.

1/2 lb. fresh arugula (3 large bunches), washed & dried
juice of 2 lemons
1/2 cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
black pepper
1/4 lb. chunk of good quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Whisk dressing ingredients together, not including the cheese. It will emulsify and get nice and thick.



Place your cleaned and dried arugula leaves on a platter and drizzle the dressing over the greens.

With a vegetable peeler, slice off pieces of the cheese and lay on top of the salad.
Serve immediately.



Comments

Anonymous said…
The barefoot one makes a double batch of this salad whenever Alec Baldwin and Kim Klijsters drop by unexpectedly.
She and I have been on a first name basis for a while now :) I LOVE this salad...we've been making one just like it for a long time. So refreshing.
The JR said…
I like that dressing recipe.
Joanne said…
Being a serious arugula and lemon lover myself, I think I truly need to add this to my repertoire. Plus I would truly love to see those pounds melting.
The Food Hunter said…
This is a great salad. I think I will make it this week.
Chris said…
yum yum and yum!! i didnt know that winter was when lemons are in season, I now know. and will have to make good arugula salad with my lemonade before i wash it all with some tomato-based pasta =P
Melbourne Girl said…
A GREAT SALAD Stacey!!

I've had a similar version to this, but it also had finely sliced pears through it. It was absolutely delish!
Erin said…
One of our fav salads is very similar to this one. The only extra addition is roasted cauliflower. Love it!
Anadrol said…
That's a great looking salad. Thanks for this one, I'll be making it this evening.
Anne
Lisa Faley said…
I also love this with spinach in place of the arugula... much easier for kids pallets too!
Hmmm, I could justify eating this healthy salad and then having one of your "bimbo's"!
tasteofbeirut said…
I love arugula, baby arugula to be precise! This salad would be wonderful summer or winter!
Claudia said…
This is one of my favorite salads of all time - and when I'm not being a rabbit chowing down the greens - I stick it in sandwiches.
Lume Brando said…
Hi Stacey! Just to say i love the recipes you post. I made your Spinach Gratin and it was great! I have to do it again to take a photo and post in my humble blog... This salad is very simple but promises a lot! I'll try it soon.
Teresa, a portuguese fan of your snacks ;-)
Culinary Cory said…
Gotta love Ina. This is one of my go-to salads. When paired with a grilled chicken breast, it makes for a really nice meal.