Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Simplicity is delicious in this Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette. Peppery arugula dresses up with a lovely lemony vinaigrette that’s a bit creamy from Parmesan and a hit of dijon. This salad is perfect for entertaining or any night of the week.

Having a tasty simple salad in your back pocket is always a good idea. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just having a simple dinner at home, being able to casually whip out an easy yet delicious salad makes the entire meal feel complete.

When designing my Casual Dinner Party Menu for 6, I decided to feature an elegant, hands off Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili that is stepped up a notch with a swirl of Brie. It’s so rich and decadent but with very little effort for the host. Strawberry Swirled Chocolate Brownies are perfect for dessert, and even better–they can be made entirely in advance as well.

So I knew to complete the meal I needed something green, refreshing, and just as effortless as the other two dishes. No way do I want to make the dinner and dessert in advance only to get hung up chopping veggies for a salad at the last minute. Enter this simple arugula salad. No chopping required.

Peppery arugula makes up the body of this salad. It’s dressed with my Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette, which thankfully can be made entirely in advance as well. Then when the guests arrive, it’s as simple as arranging the arugula in a salad bowl, dressing it, and then topping it with shaved Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. So simple, yet the perfect side salad to cut through the other more comfort food dishes.

This simple salad is the perfect one to know and use whenever you’re in a pinch to make a meal feel complete. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight.

Make Ahead and Hosting Tips

• The vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• You’ll want to bring the vinaigrette to room temperature and give it a good shake before dressing the salad.
• Dress the salad right before serving. No one likes soggy arugula.
• This recipe is designed to be simple. Keep things fresh and delicious without adding stress. This salad can be used as a base for a salad with more flair, if you like. Try adding toasted almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios for some texture. Cherry tomatoes would be nice in here. I’m an avocado fiend so sometimes I add them as well for a creamy note.

What to Serve with this Salad

This Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette is featured as a side salad for my Casual Dinner Party for 6 Menu. That menu features a warming and cheesy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili with Brie and low maintenance Strawberry Swirled Chocolate Brownies for dessert. It’s a perfect side salad as both of those recipes can feel a bit indulgent, so this salad is simple and keeps things light and fresh.

This Simple Arugula Salad would also be perfect with my Rustic Chicken Sausage and White Bean Skillet Bake (which is part of my Romantic Winter Dinner Menu for 2) or as a side salad to my Brussels Sprout, Pancetta, and Goat Cheese Pizza. It would be a lovely. base for roasted salmon for a spring dinner as well. It’s a wonderful canvas that rounds out any meal.

For more recipes and ideas, check out my recipe page! And check back for more romantic hosting menus, tips, and inspiration!