Randy Chandler
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a leafy green with a peppery taste. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, from salads to pizza toppings. When it comes to arugula salad, there are several types of cheese that pair well with the greens. Parmesan is a popular choice, as its salty, umami flavour complements the peppery arugula. Shaving or grating the Parmesan cheese allows it to mix well with the arugula and other ingredients. For a more indulgent option, shaved ribbons of Parmesan can be used to add a salty, creamy texture to the salad. Other cheeses that go well with arugula include goat cheese, feta, gorgonzola, and blue cheese. These cheeses offer a tangy, savoury contrast to the arugula, creating a well-rounded and flavourful salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Parmesan, Goat Cheese, Gorgonzola, Blue Cheese, Feta, Halloumi |
| Oil | Extra Virgin Olive Oil |
| Fruit | Strawberries, Peaches, Pears, Apples, Grapefruit, Oranges, Watermelon, Lemon |
| Vegetables | Carrots, Tomatoes, Radicchio, Peppers, Red Onion, Beets, Avocado, Corn, Beans |
| Meat | Chicken, Salmon, Tuna, Steak, Prosciutto, Bacon |
| Nuts | Sunflower Seeds, Pine Nuts, Pistachios, Walnuts, Almonds |
| Other | Honey, Salt, Black Pepper, Balsamic Vinegar, Croutons, Eggs, Basil |
What You'll Learn
Parmesan
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the best choice for this salad. It's a nutty, salty Italian cheese that beautifully offsets the fresh, peppery bite of the arugula. The key is to get high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano imported from Italy, as domestic Parmesan is an imitation and pales in comparison. You can identify the real deal by looking for the name embossed repeatedly on the rind.
When preparing the salad, it's best to shave the Parmesan yourself using a vegetable peeler, creating long ribbons of cheese. You can also use a cheese planer or the slicing blade of a box grater. The cheese should be shaved over the dressed arugula and served immediately.
The simplicity of this salad is part of its appeal, but you can add other ingredients if you wish. Some suggestions include cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, balsamic vinegar reduction, grilled chicken, shrimp with pesto, or sliced apples.
The dressing for this salad is typically a simple combination of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The key to success is to dress the arugula lightly, avoiding a heavy, clumpy salad.
This arugula and Parmesan salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter, side, or topping for pizza. It pairs well with a variety of main courses, such as crispy chicken cutlets, fried fish fingers, grilled steak, or margherita pizza. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's sure to impress.
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Goat's cheese
When making an arugula and goat's cheese salad, it is important to use a pungent cheese to add flavour to the greens. Goat's cheese is a great choice for this, as it has a strong flavour that can stand up to the arugula. It also adds a nice creamy texture to the salad.
There are many different types of goat's cheese that can be used in an arugula salad. A plain or honey-flavoured goat's cheese log will be creamier than crumbled goat's cheese, so this is recommended. However, if you prefer crumbled cheese, or want to add a different flavour, feta or blue cheese are also good options.
When assembling the salad, you can either toss the arugula in the dressing and then top with the cheese, or simply drizzle the dressing over the salad and cheese. This salad is very versatile and can be adapted to your taste. For example, you could add strawberries, apples, or pears for a touch of sweetness, or nuts such as candied pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
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Blue cheese
When choosing a blue cheese for your salad, opt for one that is creamy enough to stick to the salad, but still firm enough to be crumbled. Blue Castello is a good option for those who are new to blue cheese, as it is very mild. For a French option, Roquefort is a popular choice, known for its spreadable creaminess and firm crumble. Other French blues to consider are St Agur, Fourme d'Ambert, and Bleu d'Auvergne. If you're looking for an Italian blue cheese, Gorgonzola is a great choice. It ranges in texture from ultra-creamy to crumbly, with Gorgonzola Piccante being creamier and Gorgonzola Dolce being milder and offering excellent value for money. For a sharper flavour, try British Stilton, but be warned – it's not for the faint-hearted! If you're looking for a good value option, Danish blue cheese is a safe bet.
When assembling your arugula and blue cheese salad, consider adding pears or apples, walnuts or other nuts, and a dressing such as honey mustard or a simple vinaigrette. This combination of sweet, savoury, nutty, creamy, and juicy flavours pushes all the right buttons!
Ingredients:
- Arugula
- Blue cheese, crumbled
- Walnuts, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- Honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and honey (if using) in a large bowl.
- Add the arugula to the bowl and toss until coated.
- Top the salad with the crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Feta
A simple feta and arugula salad can be made by tossing arugula leaves in olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and topping with shaved or crumbled feta. You can also add some chopped salted pistachios or pine nuts for an extra crunch.
For a more substantial meal, feta and arugula pair well with a variety of ingredients. Try adding grilled halloumi, sliced pears, or a fried egg on top of your salad. Feta also goes well with other fruits like apples, oranges, peaches, strawberries, and tomatoes, as well as crunchy vegetables like carrots, beets, and bell peppers.
For a heartier salad, bulk it up by adding grains like farro or white beans, or proteins like grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. Feta's salty flavour is a great complement to sweet and savoury ingredients, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations.
Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to bring out the best in your arugula and feta salad.
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Gorgonzola
When making an arugula salad with Gorgonzola, it is best to keep the other ingredients simple and fresh. A basic arugula salad consists of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. The Gorgonzola can be used in place of the Parmesan or alongside it. Other ingredients that complement this combination are pears, pine nuts, walnuts, cranberries, and balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
Arugula has a peppery taste and is packed with nutrients, phytochemicals and fibre. It is a great way to get your daily dose of greens and can be used as a side or main dish. The salad is best served immediately, as the arugula will begin to wilt after being dressed.
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Frequently asked questions
A simple arugula salad can be made with just arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add a little salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Parmesan cheese is a classic pairing with arugula salad, but you can also try goat cheese, blue cheese, or gorgonzola.
Arugula salad goes well with a variety of ingredients, including fruits like strawberries, peaches, pears, and oranges, as well as proteins like chicken, salmon, and steak.
