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    Home » Recipes » Salad

    Easy Rocket Salad with Parmesan

    Published: Feb 24, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
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    A simple rocket salad with Parmesan and a tangy balsamic dressing!

    This rocket and Parmesan salad takes the classic green salad bowl to the next level, and best of all, it goes well with so many different meals.

    Rocket and Parmesan salad on a white serving platter.

    I love peppery wild rocket leaves (arugula), and this easy green leafy salad is a great side salad to things like pizza bianca, spinach and ricotta cannelloni, gambas pil pil, and so many more dishes!

    It's the perfect summer salad (although I make it a lot in winter too) using fresh (or homegrown) rocket, and is easily customisable to make it your own.

    👩‍🍳 Love healthy salad recipes? Try my easy 5 bean salad next!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋 More salad recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    • Simple and quick salad recipe.
    • Healthy and nutritious.
    • Easy Balsamic dressing.
    • Easily customisable with add-in ingredients.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    Ingredients for rocket salad.

    Rocket - homegrown or shop bought rocket, which has been washed and dried. In the US it is known as arugula.

    Parmesan - fresh Parmesan shavings. You could also use Pecorino.

    For the dressing;

    Olive Oil - use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavour.

    Balsamic Vinegar - gives the dressing a delicious tang.

    Honey - clear runny honey balances the tang of the vinegar with a little sweetness.

    Garlic - 1 small clove, peeled and crushed.

    Salt & Pepper - sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning.

    🔪 Instructions

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a jug.

    Two: Place the rocket leaves in a serving bowl or platter and drizzle on the dressing.

    Three: Scatter over the Parmesan shavings and serve.

    Rocket salad with a balsamic dressing.

    💭 Expert tips

    • Save time and whisk up the salad dressing the night before and store it in the fridge.
    • Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the rocket leaves from becoming soggy.
    • To make the parmesan shavings, use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices off a block of parmesan cheese.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Rocket salad goes well with so many different dishes. Here are a few ideas;

    • Air Fryer Cheese on Toast
    • Puff Pastry Savoury Tarts
    • Courgette Fritters
    • Baked Tortellini
    • Tuna Pasta Bake
    • Meat Feast Pizza
    • Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
    • Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
    Rocket salad with Parmesan shavings on a white serving platter.

    📖 Variations

    • Add sliced pears and walnuts for rocket pear and walnut salad.
    • Sprinkle over toasted pine nuts for crunch.
    • Swap the balsamic vinegar for cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, or use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead.
    • Serve the salad as the base of a Mediterranean salad bowl and top with sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced avocado
    • To make this salad a full meal, add some cooked chicken, cooked beetroot, or honey glazed salmon.
    • Swap the Parmesan for blue cheese or goat's cheese.
    • Add some sliced strawberries or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
    • Use a different type of dressing, such as a lemon vinaigrette or a creamy garlic dressing.
    • Mix in some fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra flavour.
    Rocket and Parmesan salad with a jug of balsamic dressing on the side.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - Do not dress the salad until just before serving, as the dressing can make the leaves wilt. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    Is rocket good for you?

    Rocket is low in calories and high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.

    Can I substitute the rocket leaves with another type of lettuce?

    Yes, you can use any type of lettuce or salad greens that you prefer

    Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make the dressing up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge.

    How do I clean rocket leaves?

    To clean rocket leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and dry them with a salad spinner or pat them dry with a paper towel.

    Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?

    Yes, you can add any nuts or seeds that you like, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.

    Can I use a pre-made balsamic dressing instead of making my own?

    Yes, you can use a pre-made balsamic dressing if you prefer.

    Green salad with Parmesan shavings on a white plate.

    😋 More salad recipes

    • Easy Coronation Chicken Pasta Salad
    • Best Greek Orzo Salad with Feta
    • Easy Courgette & Feta Salad
    • Easy 5 Bean Salad Recipe

    Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date with what's cooking in the Effortless Foodie kitchen! You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too!

    Recipe

    Rocket salad with Parmesan shavings on a white plate.
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    5 from 6 votes

    Easy Rocket Salad with Parmesan

    A simple rocket salad with Parmesan shavings and a tangy balsamic dressing! It's healthy, nutritious, and very tasty.
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine British
    Keyword rocket and parmesan salad, rocket leaf salad, rocket salad, rocket salad with parmesan
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 198kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Salad Spinner
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Measuring Jug
    • Small Whisk
    • Knife
    • Chopping Board

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 80 g Rocket washed and dried
    • 20 g Parmesan shavings

    Dressing

    • 2 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon Honey
    • 1 Garlic Clove peeled and crushed
    • 5 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper

    Instructions

    • Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a jug.
      2 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar, 2 teaspoon Honey, 1 Garlic Clove, 5 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ½ teaspoon Sea Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • Place the rocket leaves in a serving bowl or platter and drizzle on the dressing.
      80 g Rocket
    • Scatter over the Parmesan shavings and serve.
      20 g Parmesan

    Notes

    Expert Tips:
    • Save time and whisk up the salad dressing the night before and store it in the fridge.
    • Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the rocket leaves from becoming soggy.
    • To make the parmesan shavings, use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices off a block of parmesan cheese.
     
    Variations:
    • Add sliced pears and walnuts for rocket pear and walnut salad.
    • Sprinkle over toasted pine nut for crunch.
    • Swap the balsamic vinegar for cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, or use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead.
    • Serve the salad as the base of a Mediterranean salad bowl and top with sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced avocado
    • To make this salad a full meal, add some cooked chicken, cooked beetroot, or honey glazed salmon.
    • Swap the Parmesan for blue cheese or goat's cheese.
    • Add some sliced strawberries or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
    • Use a different type of dressing, such as a lemon vinaigrette or a creamy garlic dressing.
    • Mix in some fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra flavour.
     
    Storage:
    Do not dress the salad until just before serving, as the dressing can make the leaves wilt. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
     
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Rocket Salad with Parmesan
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    198
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    19
    g
    29
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    13
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    3
    mg
    1
    %
    Sodium
     
    379
    mg
    16
    %
    Potassium
     
    94
    mg
    3
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    5
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    0.4
    g
    2
    %
    Sugar
     
    5
    g
    6
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    514
    IU
    10
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    3
    mg
    4
    %
    Calcium
     
    96
    mg
    10
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    More Easy Salad Recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. TAVO

      February 24, 2023 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      THE SALAD WAS SUPER EASY TO MAKE AND DELICIOUS; DEFINITELY MAKING IT AGAIN. THANK YOU!

      Reply
    2. Kerri

      February 24, 2023 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious! I'm always on the lookout for a new salad recipe so I'm excited to add this one to my list!

      Reply
    3. Mahy

      February 24, 2023 at 4:53 pm

      I love the ingredient combo in this salad. Fantastic choice and very easy instructions to follow.

      Reply
    4. Andrea

      February 24, 2023 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      Quick, easy to make and full of great flavors, this salad is fantastic.

      Reply

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    Beth Sachs Food Blogger

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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