Super Simple Arugula Salad

Make this simple arugula salad recipe with balsamic vinegar and olive oil! It's the quickest side salad recipe in my repertoire and I hope it becomes your go-to side salad, too. Make as many salads as you'd like with this basic formula.

salad
arugula
quick
balsamic

3 min total

Makes 1 side salad

bowl or small plate

Ingredients

A couple handfuls of arugula (about 1 ½ cups)
Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
Lighter drizzle of thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze*
Optional: Light sprinkle of finely grated aged cheese, such as Parmesan or even cheddar
Small pinch of flaky sea salt, kosher salt or fine salt
Freshly ground black pepper or pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

Add a couple handfuls of arugula to a bowl or small plate. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, followed by a lighter drizzle of balsamic vinegar (the ratio is really up to you—balsamic is sweeter than most other vinegars, so you might enjoy equal parts vinegar and oil).

Sprinkle with cheese, if desired. Sprinkle with a small pinch of flaky sea salt, crushing it between your fingers as you sprinkle, or other salt (use a little more salt if not using cheese, which is salty).

Finish the salad with a couple twists of freshly ground black pepper or a small pinch of red pepper flakes. Repeat for additional salads, if needed. Enjoy promptly, as the salad will wilt over time.