Wash the arugula: fill a large bowl with cold water, add the arugula leaves and gently submerge and lift them, turning to remove any sand. Remove the leaves, drain the water, and repeat once more if there are visible impurities. Then dry the arugula in a salad spinner for about 20-30 seconds or gently dry by spreading the leaves on a clean linen towel and placing another towel on top (do not rub, just pat dry). Measure out and set aside 120 g of dry leaves prepared for the salad.
Description
A light, aromatic salad with arugula, thinly sliced parmesan, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect as an elegant addition to a romantic Valentine's dinner — it combines the bold, slightly peppery flavor of arugula with the salty, nutty parmesan and the sweet-sour accents of balsamic vinegar and dried cranberries. The dish is visually striking thanks to the green leaves, white cheese shavings, and golden walnuts; serve immediately to keep the arugula fresh and crisp. The salad pairs wonderfully with lean meats, baked salmon, or as a standalone light meal. A simple dressing made of olive oil and balsamic vinegar enhances the flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming them.
Ingredients (10)
- Arugula 120 g
- Parmezan (parmigiano reggiano) 60 g
- Walnuts 60 g
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.2 łyżek
- Balsamic vinegar 20 ml
- Dijon mustard 15 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Ground black pepper 1 szczypta
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Dried cranberries 40 g
- Honey 15 ml
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Preparation steps
Preparation of ingredients
Nuts
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan: heat a 20–24 cm pan over medium heat. Add 60 g of walnuts and toast for 3–4 minutes, shaking the pan every few seconds, until you can smell a strong nutty aroma and the walnuts are lightly browned. Once removed from the heat, transfer to a plate to cool completely, then chop coarsely with a knife — they should remain in pieces, not powder.
Dressing
Prepare the dressing: in a small bowl or jar, pour in 30 ml of olive oil and 20 ml of balsamic vinegar. Add 15 g of Dijon mustard, 2 g of salt (two pinches), and 1 g of freshly ground pepper. If you want to gently sweeten the dressing, add 15 g of honey (optional). Whisk vigorously for about 30–45 seconds until the ingredients combine into a smooth, slightly creamy emulsion — the oil should suspend in the vinegar, creating a uniform emulsion.
Preparing Parmesan
Make thin shavings from 60 g of Parmesan: take a piece of cheese and slowly slice off shavings using a vegetable peeler or a large grater. If you are using pre-grated cheese from a package, set it aside in a bowl — however, it's best to use fresh cheese for better texture.
Salad assembly
In a large bowl, place 120 g of arugula. Drizzle one third of the prepared dressing (about 10 ml) and gently toss using two tongs or two spoons for 20–30 seconds — mix briefly so that the leaves are evenly coated but not soaked. Add the chopped, cooled walnuts and the optional 40 g of dried cranberries. Sprinkle with Parmesan shavings. Taste the salad and adjust with additional salt/pepper if needed or add a bit more dressing (up to depletion). It’s ready when the leaves are glossy from the dressing but not wet; Parmesan and walnuts should be noticeable in every bite.
Serving
Transfer the salad to plates: gently arrange evenly on 4 plates (about 30 g of arugula per plate plus toppings), garnish with a few extra shavings of parmesan and a few pieces of nuts on top. Serve immediately — best 3–5 minutes after mixing, so the arugula stays fresh and crunchy.
Cleaning and Storage
If there are leftover ingredients or dressing, store them separately: arugula without dressing in the refrigerator in a closed container lined with a paper towel (up to 24 hours), nuts in an airtight container at room temperature (up to 7 days), dressing in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is best to eat the salad already dressed the same day.
Fun Fact
Arugula was valued in ancient Rome as an aphrodisiac, which is why its sharp taste and symbolism are perfect for a Valentine's dinner. Parmigiano Reggiano has its roots in the Italian regions of Parma and Reggio Emilia and often ages for 12-36 months, giving it an intense flavor.
Best for
Tips
Serve immediately after preparation to keep the arugula crunchy. Serve with ciabatta bread or thinly sliced roasted chicken as a side to the main dish. For an elegant touch, drizzle the plate with a few drops of thick balsamic vinegar before serving.
Store the dressing separately in an airtight jar for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the arugula dry, in a container lined with paper towels for up to 24 hours. Salad dressed with the dressing should not be stored for longer than 12–24 hours, as the leaves will wilt.
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