Arugula Lemon Vinaigrette the Peppery Pickmeup

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a salad that doesn't bore you to tears? I know, right? This arugula salad dressing is a game changer. The peppery, zesty flavours will kick your delicious salads up a notch.

Brief Overview

This simple dressing hails from sunny Mediterranean climes. It's super easy, ready in 5 mins and makes about 6 servings.

This Easy Salad Dressing is perfect for a quick healthy lunch or summer recipes .

Main Benefits

Arugula is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. That makes this homemade salad dressing a total win-win! It's perfect for impressing guests at a barbecue.

What makes it special? It has a fresh, vibrant taste that's hard to beat.

Let's Talk Arugula

Right, let's dive into this brilliant arugula vinaigrette . Honestly, I never used to be a salad person. I know, shocker! But then I discovered the magic of a good peppery salad dressing .

It all started with my quest for salad dressing recipes .

The Magic Ingredients

The beauty of this vegan salad dressing is in its simplicity. You'll need arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, water, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

It's a lemon vinaigrette with an extra kick from the arugula.

Let's Get This Salad Started: Ingredients and Equipment

Fancy a delicious salad? I have always believed that a great salad starts with a great dressing. This arugula salad dressing recipe is super easy.

Honestly, it’s one of my go-to salad dressing recipes . I have found that most store-bought dressings are loaded with sugar.

This one is fresh and vibrant. It is perfect for a healthy lunch , especially during the summer!

Main Ingredients Simple is Best

Here’s what you’ll need. I always try to buy the best quality I can afford.

• Fresh Arugula: 2 cups (57g) , loosely packed.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60 ml) . Look for a grassy, fruity scent. Good olive oil makes all the difference.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Freshly squeezed is key!.
• Water: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
• Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) , or to taste.
• Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon (0.6 ml) , freshly ground, or to taste.

Seasoning Notes Add Some ZING!

This arugula vinaigrette recipe is all about the peppery kick! The arugula is what brings that. I love adding a little Dijon mustard.

It gives the dressing a bit of tang. The honey, or maple syrup for a vegan salad dressing , balances the bitterness.

Don't be afraid to play with the ratios. A little more lemon makes it a lemon vinaigrette . It is perfect as a peppery salad dressing !

Equipment Needed Keep it Simple

You really don't need much for this easy salad dressing .

• Blender or Food Processor: A blender gives you the smoothest homemade salad dressing .
• Measuring Cups and Spoons.
• Small Bowl or Jar: For storing your masterpiece.

That's it! You've got everything you need. Now, let's get blending. Remember, this delicious salads dressing recipe is all about fresh flavours.

It captures the essence of summer recipes perfectly. Let me know if you need any other quick tips!.

Whizz Up The Best Arugula Salad Dressing. Ever.

Fancy a delicious salad ? Me too. Honestly, making your own arugula salad dressing is a game changer. Ditch the shop bought stuff.

They simply are not that exciting as this one. This vibrant arugula vinaigrette is quick, easy, and tastes amazing. I never considered myself a kitchen whiz, but even I nailed this!

Prep Like a Pro

First up: mise en place. That's fancy French for "get your stuff ready." We want 2 cups arugula. Then you need 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

Water, honey, Dijon, salt, pepper too. It’s easier if it's all laid out, innit? Saves time and stops you forgetting anything.

A sharp knife and chopping board are a must. Watch your fingers! You know? Safety first!

step-by-step: Zingy Zest!

Right, let’s get this show on the road.

1. Chuck the arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon water into your blender.
2. Blend until smooth. I mean properly smooth. Scrape the sides down if needed.
3. Add 1 teaspoon honey (optional), 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
4. Pulse a few times to mix it all up.
5. Taste! Add more lemon for zing, honey for sweetness, salt for flavour.
6. Pour into a jar or container.

Done. You have your very own homemade salad dressing . It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or sprucing up some summer recipes .

Top Tips From Yours Truly

Want the best ever peppery salad dressing ? Use good olive oil. Seriously, it makes a difference. The honey is optional, but it balances the bitterness.

The lemon vinaigrette can be made a day or two ahead. It actually tastes better that way. It can be stored in the fridge.

Also, make sure you properly dry the arugula before you blend it. You don't want watery dressing. I've made that mistake before.

Now go, get your salad dressing recipes and create the magic.

Recipe Notes: Bits and Bobs to Make it Brilliant

Right then, fancy a chat about this absolutely smashing arugula salad dressing ? Honestly, it’s so easy, you could probably make it with your eyes closed.

(Don’t actually do that, mind you!). You know, I even got my mate Brenda, who burns toast, to make it and she nailed it! We’ve got a few extra tips to turn it into something spiffing.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Salad On!

Let’s talk presentation. You could serve this arugula vinaigrette all fancy like, drizzled artfully over a delicious salad . Or, like me, just chuck it all in a bowl.

Both work! This peppery salad dressing is stunning with grilled chicken. Also, it's a brilliant dressing for roasted veg. It really perks up your healthy lunch , especially on a summer's day.

Think about some crusty bread too, to mop up every last bit of the flavour.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Classy!

Pop the dressing into a clean jar. Keep it in the fridge. It will last up to three days. Honestly, it's best used fresh.

The flavour is just zingier. Don’t bother freezing it. It doesn’t really work, trust me on this. Just give it a good shake before using.

The olive oil might solidify a bit, but it all comes back together.

Variations: Mix it Up a Bit!

Fancy a change? For a creamier vegan salad dressing , add a tablespoon of tahini. It gives it a lovely nutty taste.

Or try using lime instead of lemon vinaigrette . It's great for a more tropical vibe. My Summer Recipes often include fresh herbs like basil or mint.

These would be a lush addition.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bottle!

This easy salad dressing is mostly healthy fats from the olive oil. It is also full of vitamins from the arugula.

Each serving is around 80 calories. The peppery dressing is light, and not going to load you with sugar. The honey's just there for a bit of balance, like a good cuppa!

So there you have it. Homemade salad dressing , that's bursting with flavour. Now, go on, give it a go.

I bet you will come back for the salad dressing recipes . You'll be amazed how much better it is than anything you buy in the shops! You will love these delicious salads , trust me!.

Now go, get your apron on!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make arugula salad dressing ahead of time? Will it still taste fresh?

Absolutely! You can definitely whip up this arugula salad dressing a day or two in advance. In fact, the flavors often meld together even better if given some time to sit. Just give it a good shake or whisk before serving, as it might separate a bit in the fridge.

Just like a good cup of tea, sometimes letting it sit makes it even better!

My arugula salad dressing is too bitter! How do I fix it?

No worries, we've all been there! Arugula can be a bit punchy. Try adding a touch more honey or maple syrup to balance out the bitterness. A squeeze more lemon juice can also help brighten the flavour and distract from the bitterness.

Think of it like adding a bit of sugar to your cuppa just a touch to make it perfect!

How long will this arugula salad dressing last, and how should I store it?

This dressing is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. The olive oil might solidify a bit in the fridge, but that's perfectly normal. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or give it a good shake to bring it back to its smooth, delicious self.

Remember: a happy salad dressing is a well stored one!

I'm watching my weight. What's the calorie count for this arugula salad dressing?

Good on you for keeping an eye on things! As a rough guide, one serving (about 2 tablespoons) of this arugula salad dressing clocks in at approximately 80 calories. Keep in mind that this is an estimate and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Remember, all things in moderation, even delicious salad dressing!

Can I swap out any ingredients in this arugula salad dressing if I don't have them on hand?

Of course, cooking is all about being flexible! If you're missing arugula, spinach or watercress can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be different. For the lemon, lime juice can be used. For honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a pinch of sugar will work instead.

It's like improvising in a jazz band just go with what you've got and make it your own!

What other ways can I use this arugula salad dressing besides just on salads?

This arugula salad dressing is surprisingly versatile! You can drizzle it over grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, use it as a marinade for chicken or fish, or even toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and flavourful meal. It's a great way to add a pop of peppery flavour to just about anything.

Think of it as the "Jack-of-all-trades" of your fridge!