An arugula salad is light, refreshing with a peppery bite. With just 3 ingredients (plus seasoning) this simple homemade vinaigrette is so easy, it’ll become a staple in your fridge! 

We love to add in fresh fruit from berries and cherries to peaches and a bit of creamy tang with either feta or goat cheese.

closeup of dressing for Arugula Salad

An Easy Side Salad

So, what is arugula? Arugula is sometimes called “rocket” and it’s a dark leafy green from the broccoli family. It has a peppery and almost bitter flavor. Because of the bitterness, arugula salad is best mixed with fruits, berries (or even tomatoes). A creamy soft cheese is great too.

Arugula Salad Dressing

Once you start making your own dressings at home, you’ll never want to buy dressing again. They’re so easy to make, last a long time in the fridge and the flavor just cannot be compared.

This dressing is a favorite on any salad for us but because of the sweetness, it pairs especially well with this salad.

In a mason jar, shake up a simple combination of:

  • a light tasting olive oil (4 tbs) or vegetable oil
  • honey (1 1/2 tsp)
  • rice vinegar (2 tbs)
  • seasoning to taste

Make it a Meal: This salad pairs well with Oven Baked Chicken Breasts  or grilled chicken for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Do a Double Take! This arugula salad dressing is super fast and easy. It pairs well with bolder flavored greens and can even be used on kale salad. Double or triple the recipe, it’ll keep in the fridge for weeks.

overhead of Arugula Salad on a white plate with dressing on the side

How to Make Arugula Salad

  1. Whisk the ingredients for the arugula salad dressing and set aside.
  2. Toast and roughly chop the nuts, slice the onion and wash slice and/or pit fruits as needed (I use this cherry pitter, the best ever)!
  3. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, crumble in the feta and toss with the dressing.

To Toast Nuts: Place them in a single layer on a foil lined cookie sheet in a preheated 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 5 minutes. Be sure to watch them carefully, as they toast quickly, and easily burn.

Arugula Salad with dressing and nuts on the side

Variations

As mentioned, arugula has an intense taste that makes it almost more like an herb than a vegetable. I like to serve it with roasted or grilled meats like baked chicken thighs or next to a Margherita Pizza.

As with any salad, substitutions or additions are encouraged! Try adding some of these ingredients for an arugula salad that is totally your own.

  • Cheese: goat cheese or shaved parmesan instead of, or in addition to the feta.
  • Fruit: pears, apples, grapes, strawberries, peaches
  • Nuts: toasted pine nuts or pecans
  • Vegetables: If you want a milder salad, you can also try mixing in some romaine or spinach leaves.

Did you try this dressing? Leave a comment below and let us know what your fave additions are!

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overhead of Arugula Salad on a white plate with dressing on the side
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Easy Arugula Salad Dressing

Arugula salad in an easy light dressing is the perfect side salad with its light and fresh flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
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Ingredients  

Salad Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons honey
  • ¼ cup light tasting olive oil or vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Salad

  • 6 to 8 cups baby arugula
  • 2 cups berries or other fruit such as peaches, cherries, strawberries, blackberries
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
  • ¼ cup slivered red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts or pecans

Instructions 

Dressing

  • Mix rice vinegar and honey in a bowl.
  • Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until incorporated. Taste and season with salt & pepper.

Salad

  • Add arugula, feta cheese, and red onion to a salad bowl. Add dressing and toss to combine.
  • Garnish with fruit and nuts.

Notes

Dressing: Dressing can be doubled (or tripled) and will keep weeks in the fridge for other salads.
Fruit: If you don't have berries (or they're out of season) use pears or peaches in place.
5 from 8 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 144 | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 17.6mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad
Cuisine American

More Easy Side Salads

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. I made this dressing for arugula with red grapes and clementine oranges, pecans, and feta crumbles. I forgot to slice a little red or green onion. Delicious!