This rocket salad is one of the easiest salads you will ever make and it pairs with just about everything!
Zero chopping and a few ingredients you’ve probably already got on hand. Yep, it doesn’t get any simpler than this. P.S. for my friends across the pond, rocket = arugula (it’s the same thing). Follow me…
Rocket Salad Ingredients
For me, rocket is my go-to salad leaf; it’s got such a strong, peppery flavour, meaning you don’t have to do too much with it. As such, for the easiest salad in the world, here’s what you’ll need:
- Rocket/Arugula – no need to introduce any other leaves, the rocket does the heavy lifting.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – make sure it’s extra virgin and not regular olive oil. There is a noticeable difference.
- Balsamic Vinegar – this pairs beautifully with rocket and binds with the oil to make the perfect light and tangy dressing.
- Parmesan – this takes the salad to new heights.
- Salt & Pepper – you won’t need much, because the parmesan will add salt and the rocket is already peppery, but a good pinch in the dressing really wakes up the salad.
This is perfect as it is, because it ends up so versatile. I mean this in the sense that it can be paired with so many different mains, but also in the sense that you can switch it up in so many delicious ways.
Salad additions and variations
- Nuts – my top recommendations are pine nuts and walnuts.
- Fruit – I love pomegranate with this. Pear and apple are both great additions too.
- Cheese – switch the parmesan for feta or goat cheese.
- Protein – grilled chicken is great, as is steak. Torn prosciutto is also a lovely pairing with rocket.
- Extras – croutons are an obvious, easy addition. Sun dried tomatoes, red onion and avocado all work nicely too.
- Tweaks – add a small dash of honey to balance the tangy balsamic. A very small amount of Dijon would add some depth to the dressing.
How to make this easy Rocket Salad
Many recipes make the dressing separately in a jar or bowl. I prefer making the dressing in the bowl you’re tossing everything in (less washing up!).
Emulsifying the dressing
You’ll want to use a whisk to force the balsamic vinegar and oil to bind and make a cohesive dressing. Don’t add them separately to the rocket; they’ll stay separated.
Shaved parmesan
Instead of grating the parmesan, I highly recommend using a vegetable peeler and shaving it in. That way, you get bigger hits of flavour, and it’s much more visually appealing too.
Process shots: add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to bowl (photo 1), whisk (photo 2), toss in rocket (photo 3), toss in parmesan (photo 4).
How to serve Rocket Salad
This salad works amazingly with a range of different mains, but here are my favourites:
- Pasta – this goes great with rich, big and hearty pasta recipes like Lasagne, Stuffed Shells and Spaghetti and Meatballs.
- Steak – perfect with Cowboy Steak or Steak and Potatoes.
- Creamy Chicken – rich chicken dinners like Creamy Pesto Chicken and Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken.
- Crispy Chicken – this goes perfectly with mains like Hash Brown Chicken, Chicken Parmesan and Orzo Chicken Parmesan.
- Summer Mains – like Potato Cheese and Onion Pie, Italian Stuffed Tomatoes and Frittata.
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this rocket salad shall we?!
How to make Rocket Salad (Full Recipe & Video)
Easy Rocket Salad
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Salad Tossers
- Potato/Vegetable Peeler
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp Salt, or to taste
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper, or to taste
- 4oz / 120g Rocket/Arugula
- 1oz / 30g shaved Parmesan, or more to preference (see notes)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper until it binds into a dressing.
- Add the rocket and toss until coated, then toss in the parmesan.
- Tuck in and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition
Looking for more?
You’ll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook ‘Comfy’
