Rocket Salad (Arugula Salad) is a simple side dish that is delicious and easy to make; it takes just 5 minutes to prepare. This salad is loaded with Parmesan cheese and topped with a simple homemade dressing made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, vinegar and garlic.
You can serve this restaurant quality recipe with Fish Rice, Boom Boom Shrimp or Cajun Seafood Gumbo.
Check also my Beetroot and Goats Cheese Salad.
What Is Rocket (arugula)?
Rocket is a kind of a delicious green plant that originated in the Mediterranean region. It has so many names such as arugula, rocket, Italian cress, and rucola. It is delicious raw, and it has a peppery taste. Rocket can be used in salads, as pizza topping, or to add it to sandwiches or wraps.
Related: Italian Tomato And Onion Salad and Japanese Seaweed Salad (Wakame).
Is Rocket (Arugula) The Same As Spinach?
No, spinach has a mild, slightly sweet taste, and it is a good source of iron content. Rocket (Arugula), on the other hand, has a spicy, peppery taste, and it is low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for salads.
Why This Recipe Works?
- Quick and easy to make
- Great for lunch or a side dish
- Cheap and delicious
- Fresh and nutritious
Rocket Salad ingredients
- Rocket (arugula)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Rocket Salad Dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil: I like to use a good quality olive oil in making any salad dressing.
- Garlic, minced.
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Apple cider vinegar: You can replace it with balsamic vinegar if you want.
- Dijon mustard: Makes the dressing a bit creamy.
- Maple syrup: adds a nice sweetness to the dressing.
“See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”
How To Make The Rocket Salad Dressing?
Place all the dressing ingredients in a jar screw on the lid and shake so hard until all combined.
How To Make Rocket Salad (Arugula Salad)?
One: Wash the rocket leaves and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel or spin them in a salad spinner.
Two: In a mixing bowl, add the rocket salad leaves and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Three: Pour the dressing over it, stir, and serve.
Top Tips!
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese; it gives a better flavour.
For best results, add the dressing just before serving.
Add more flavour to the dressing by adding ANY of the following:
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Add-Ins
- You can add nuts such as pine, walnut or almond (chopped).
- Veggies, such as chopped onion, tomatoes, avocados or Spring onion.
- Some fruits such as pomegranate, strawberry or pear.
- Fresh mint, basil leaves or any fresh herbs.
Variations
- Drizzle your rocket leaves with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing.
- Top your leaves with croutons or sprinkle with Pangrattato.
- You can replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can pear with chicken, pasta, meat, fish, or roasted veggies.
Some serving suggestions below:
- Pan-fried sea bass with soy sauce
- Easy one-pot pasta with veggies
- Creamy mushroom chicken
- Sticky Chinese chicken drumsticks
- Chinese chilli beef recipe
Recipe FAQs
Yes, rocket is a nutrient-dense plant that is high in fiber and rich in vitamins C, E, B and K.
You can store leftovers in a well-sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of two days.
Yes, you can. But I recommend preparing the dressing and keeping it in the fridge. Then pour it over the salad before serving.
Easy Salad Recipes:
Homemade Coleslaw Salad: A classic coleslaw recipe that you can make in less than 10 minutes, and it is so fresh and delicious.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad: Easy couscous salad recipe made with couscous, veggies, feta cheese, and drizzled with a tangy lemon juice.
Lemon Garlic Potato Salad: It is a nice side dish that is loaded with Mediterranean flavours such as olive oil, cumin, and garlic.
Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad: A flavourful and colourful salad that goes well with almost any main dish.
Tuna Avocado Salad: A healthy salad that is made with avocados, sweetcorn, tuna chunks, onions, and boiled eggs.
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad: This salad made with wholesome ingredients such as avocado, bell peppers, sweetcorn, spring onions, and kidney beans.
Healthy Taco Salad Recipe: This salad will be made in under 30 minutes and it is loaded with veggies, minced beef, and cheese.
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Recipe Card
Rocket Salad with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 100 g rocket (arugula)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Rocket Salad Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash the rocket leaves (arugula) and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel or spin them in a salad spinner.100 g rocket (arugula), ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Place all the dressing ingredients in a jar screw on the lid and shake so hard until all combined.½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic minced, 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar , 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt
- In a mixing bowl, add the rocket salad leaves and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Then pour the dressing over it, stir, and serve.
Notes
- You can replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese; it gives a better flavour.
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Olivia
Rocket isn't my favourite leaves for making a salad. But I liked this salad because it is delicious. Added some roasted almond and some strawberries.
Stella
I am not a big fan of salads, but this salad is amazing because of the delicious homemade vinaigrette. Now, this salad is my go-to side dish; I serve it almost with everything.
Bella
I love green salads, and this one is my favourite. It has a lovely tangy taste, and you need to make it a few ingredients. I served it with baked chicken breast.