Description
A fresh and vibrant arugula salad with radishes, topped with sunflower seeds and parmesan, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (5 ounce) box arugula, fresh
- 1 cup thinly sliced radish, watermelon or red radishes
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, or plant based parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/21/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/41/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix Greens and Radishes: Start by tossing the arugula and radishes together in a large glass bowl. You’ll want to see the vibrant greens and crisp, white radishes evenly mixed to add freshness and crunch to your salad. Be careful not to bruise the arugula as you mix.
- Whisk Up the Dressing: Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until it’s nice and smooth. You will smell the citrus zing which brightens the whole dish. Whisk gently to avoid splashing.
- Dress the Salad Lightly: Drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad mix. Give it a gentle toss to coat everything evenly. You want a light sheen on the greens without letting any dressing pool at the bottom of the bowl.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle shaved parmesan cheese over the salad just before serving. The salty, nutty aroma from the cheese mixes beautifully with the fresh salad. Wait until the last minute to add the cheese to maintain the best texture.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the salad onto plates right after dressing it. The bright colors and fresh scents should entice you. Serve it right away to avoid wilting for the best experience.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftover salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
- Expert Tips: If sliced radishes lose their crunch, soaking them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before serving can help. If the salad lacks flavor, adding a splash of extra lemon juice can brighten the taste. For a quick meal prep option, wash and cut all ingredients ahead of time, storing them in airtight containers.
- Reheating Instructions: Not applicable for this salad.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside baked chicken or roasted salmon. Pair with hearty vegetable dishes or grain bowls. This salad works well as a fresh side for barbecue meats.
- Recipe Variations: For sweetness, you can add sliced apples or pears. Incorporate goat cheese or feta for a creamy texture. Mix in seasonal vegetables like beets or tomatoes to change things up.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose fresh arugula and vibrant radishes for maximum flavor and crunch. Store radishes in water to keep them crisp until serving. Substitute plant-based parmesan for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg