17 Easy Arugula Salad Recipes

Arugula (also known as rocket) is loved for its fresh, peppery bite—a perfect backdrop for all kinds of flavors. Whether you’re pairing it with sweet fruits, savory cheeses, or hearty proteins, arugula adds a vibrant, nutrient-packed element to any dish.

Ready to discover new ways to enjoy this leafy green? Check out these 17 easy arugula salad recipes!

1. Simple Arugula and Parmesan Salad

This Simple Arugula and Parmesan Salad is a quick go-to with just a few key ingredients. The peppery arugula pairs beautifully with the salty bite of shaved Parmesan.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 5 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups fresh arugula
2. 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
3. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
5. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, place the arugula.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the arugula and toss gently.
4. Top with shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately.

2: Strawberry Arugula Salad with Balsamic

Sweet strawberries counter the peppery punch of arugula in this Strawberry Arugula Salad, finished with a tangy balsamic drizzle.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups arugula
2. 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
3. 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional)
4. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
5. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
6. 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Arrange arugula in a salad bowl, then scatter sliced strawberries on top.
2. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad.
4. Sprinkle with almonds or walnuts if desired. Serve right away.

3. Arugula and Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing

Creamy avocado and bright lemon make this Arugula and Avocado Salad a refreshing yet satisfying option.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups arugula
2. 1 ripe avocado, diced
3. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
4. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
5. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Place arugula in a serving bowl.
2. Top with diced avocado and red onion.
3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado.

4. Peach and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad

Juicy peaches and tangy goat cheese bring a sweet-savory balance to this Peach and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10–15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups arugula
2. 2 ripe peaches, sliced
3. 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
4. 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
5. 1 tablespoon honey
6. 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
7. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Layer arugula and peach slices in a bowl or on a platter.
2. Sprinkle goat cheese and nuts (if using) over the top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

5. Watermelon and Feta Arugula Salad

This Watermelon and Feta Arugula Salad is perfect for warm days, featuring sweet watermelon and salty feta crumbles.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups arugula
2. 2 cups watermelon, cubed
3. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
4. 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
5. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
6. 1 tablespoon lime juice
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Place arugula in a salad bowl, then add watermelon cubes.
2. Sprinkle feta and mint on top.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle over the salad. Serve immediately.

6. Beet and Walnut Arugula Salad

Roasted beets add earthy sweetness to this Beet and Walnut Arugula Salad, balanced by crunchy walnuts.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30–35 minutes (including roasting time)
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
3. Salt and pepper to taste
4. 4 cups arugula
5. 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
6. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
7. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20–25 minutes or until tender; let cool slightly.
2. In a salad bowl, combine arugula and roasted beets.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, extra olive oil, and more salt and pepper if desired.
4. Sprinkle walnuts on top before serving.

7. Apple, Cheddar, and Arugula Salad

Crunchy apples, sharp cheddar, and peppery arugula unite in this Apple, Cheddar, and Arugula Salad for a sweet-savory lunch or side.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups arugula
2. 1 apple, thinly sliced
3. 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
4. 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
5. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
6. 1 tablespoon olive oil
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Arrange arugula in a bowl. Top with apple slices and cheddar.
2. Scatter nuts on top.
3. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

8. Arugula Salad with Smoked Salmon

This Arugula Salad with Smoked Salmon is light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch or elegant appetizer.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings:

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups arugula
2. 4 ounces smoked salmon, torn into pieces
3. 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
4. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
5. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
6. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Arrange arugula, cucumber, and onion in a serving bowl.
2. Top with smoked salmon pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad. Serve right away.

9. Couscous and Arugula Salad

Transform a simple grain into a hearty meal with this Couscous and Arugula Salad, packed with bright flavors and textures.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup uncooked couscous (makes about 2 cups cooked)
2. 4 cups arugula
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/4 cup black or kalamata olives (optional)
5. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
7. Salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, toss arugula, tomatoes, and olives (if using).
3. Add couscous.
4. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.

10. Bacon and Arugula Salad

Crispy bacon brings a savory, salty note to this Bacon and Arugula Salad, balanced by a light Dijon vinaigrette.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups arugula
2. 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
5. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, bacon, and tomatoes.
2. Whisk together Dijon mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

11. Arugula and Chickpea Salad

Protein-packed chickpeas make this Arugula and Chickpea Salad a filling vegetarian meal or side dish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups arugula
2. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3. 1/2 cup diced cucumber
4. 1/4 cup diced red onion
5. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
7. Salt, pepper, and herbs (e.g., dried oregano) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine arugula, chickpeas, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss well.

12. Arugula Pesto Pasta Salad

Use arugula to create a quick pesto, then toss with your favorite pasta for a Pesto Pasta Salad that’s vibrant and delicious.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients (Pesto):

1. 2 cups arugula
2. 1/2 cup basil leaves (optional)
3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
4. 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts
5. 1 clove garlic (optional)
6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta Salad Ingredients:

1. 8 oz whole wheat pasta (rotini or penne)
2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1/4 cup chopped black olives (optional)

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the pesto by blending all pesto ingredients in a food processor until smooth, adding water or more oil if needed.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes (and olives if desired).
4. Stir in the arugula pesto. Taste and adjust seasoning.

13. Arugula Burrata Salad with Tomatoes

Creamy burrata takes center stage in this Arugula Burrata Salad, complemented by juicy tomatoes and simple seasoning.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups arugula
2. 1 large ball of burrata cheese (or 2 small)
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, sliced)
4. 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
5. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
6. Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Spread arugula on a serving platter or in a salad bowl.
2. Arrange burrata in the center and scatter tomatoes around.
3. Drizzle with balsamic and olive oil.
4. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

14. Arugula and Shrimp Salad

Perfect for a light dinner, this Arugula and Shrimp Salad is fast to prepare and rich in lean protein.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (cooked or raw)
2. 3 cups arugula
3. 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
4. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
5. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6. Salt, pepper, and chili flakes (optional) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. If shrimp is raw, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired; sauté in a bit of oil for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. (If cooked, warm gently or serve cold.)
2. In a bowl, place arugula and bell pepper.
3. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Add shrimp to the salad and drizzle with dressing. Toss lightly and enjoy.

15. Roasted Vegetable and Arugula Salad

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which complements arugula’s peppery flavor in this Roasted Vegetable and Arugula Salad.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups chopped veggies (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, onion)
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (optional)
4. 4 cups arugula
5. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Roast 20–25 minutes until tender.
2. Let roasted veggies cool slightly.
3. In a salad bowl, combine arugula and veggies.
4. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top. Toss and serve warm or at room temperature.

16. Arugula and Sweet Potato Salad

This Arugula and Sweet Potato Salad is a cozy yet fresh option, blending roasted sweet potatoes with peppery greens.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Salt and pepper to taste
4. 3 cups arugula
5. 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
6. 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20–25 minutes until tender.
2. Place arugula in a bowl. Top with warm sweet potatoes.
3. Sprinkle cheese on top if using.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

17. Arugula, Fennel, and Citrus Salad

Crisp fennel and bright citrus segments make this Arugula, Fennel, and Citrus Salad an elegant, palate-cleansing dish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups arugula
2. 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
3. 1 orange or grapefruit, segmented
4. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5. 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl or on a platter, combine arugula and sliced fennel.
2. Arrange citrus segments on top.
3. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and serve immediately.