This Arugula Parmesan Salad is staple at my house-easy to make and super tasty! It’s a simple, flavorful salad that comes together so effortlessly, yet it never gets old. This salad will compliment your Easter brunch!

Makes 2 servings

Need a last minute side dish that is light, fresh, and satisfying? This is it! Simple ingredients, big flavor, and endlessly customizable—this is one of those salads you’ll crave again and again.

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Some of the best recipes don’t come from cookbooks—they come from restaurants. This Arugula Parmesan Salad was inspired by a new local restaurant, The Bambino, a family-owned pizzeria. The first time I had this salad at The Bambino, it stopped me mid-conversation.

Peppery arugula, salty Parmesan, topped with rich nutty pine nuts, and a bright lemony dressing- it had just enough richness to make every bite craveable. It was the kind of salad that didn’t feel like a side dish—it felt essential.

Naturally, I had to recreate it at home.

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What ingredients do I need to make this Arugula Parmesan Salad?

• Arugula brings a sharp, peppery bite.
• Parmesan giving this salad a savory and salty flavor.
• Lemon juice keeps it light and fresh.
• Pine nuts adds a bit of saltness to the salad. Feel free to switch the pine nuts out for your favorite nut or omit altogether, if desired. Get them HERE on Amazon.
• Balsamic glaze adds a bit of sweetness to balance out the flavors. This is optional but highly recommended. You can find it online HERE on Amazon or I usually get it at Trader Joe’s.

It’s the kind of salad that pairs with almost anything—pizza, pasta, grilled chicken—or stands confidently on its own with a slice of crusty bread.

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Simple Ingredients:

What Bambino does so well—and what this salad celebrates—is the simplicity of ingredients. When the arugula is fresh and the Parmesan is good, you don’t need much else. Squeeze real lemon juice. Taste as you go. That’s where the magic is.

This is also one of those recipes that teaches you something every time you make it. Maybe today you want more lemon. Tomorrow, a heavier hand with the cheese. It adapts to you.

Make It Your Own

While I love keeping this salad close to the original inspiration, it’s also a great base. You can add your favorite protein to make it your own such as:

• Grilled chicken, prosciutto, salmon, shrimp, or even a soft-boiled egg all pair beautifully and keep you full for hours.
• Finish with cracked black pepper or chili flakes, if desired.

This salad pairs beautifully with:

• Pizza or pasta dishes
• Grilled chicken or steak
• Roasted vegetables
• Crusty bread, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil

It also works as a light lunch or starter when you want something fresh but satisfying. Still, my favorite way to eat it is the simplest—just like The Bambino serves it.

If you’re looking for a salad that feels restaurant-worthy but takes minutes to make, this Arugula Parmesan Salad is it. A little ode to a local gem, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones we come back to again and again.

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How do you make this Arugula Parmesan Salad?

In a small saucepan toast pine nuts over medium heat for about 1-minute. 

Stirring frequently until pine nuts turn golden brown.

Add arugula and lemon juice to a large salad bowl. Toss.

Add Parmesan and pine nuts and toss to combine. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze. Serve immediately.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh baby arugula
• 2 tsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan
• 2 Tbsp toasted pine nuts
• 1 Tbsp balsamic glaze 

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan toast pine nuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Stirring frequently.
2. Add arugula and lemon juice to a large salad bowl. Toss. Add Parmesan and pine nuts and toss to combine. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze. Serve immediately.

Make 2 (1 and 1/2 cup) servings 

3 WW Points® per serving

How do I track this recipe in my WW app? 

Click the link below to go to the recipe builder. You’ll first need to sign into your WW account and then the recipe builder will upload. The recipe builder is the most accurate way to create, obtain, and track the Points®

The recipe builder link only works for WW members located in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, you’ll need to access the WW app manually to create the recipe in the recipe builder. 

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