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.
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!
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✔️ 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
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.
💭 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
📖 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.
🥡 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
Rocket is low in calories and high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.
Yes, you can use any type of lettuce or salad greens that you prefer
Yes, you can make the dressing up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge.
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.
Yes, you can add any nuts or seeds that you like, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Yes, you can use a pre-made balsamic dressing if you prefer.
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Recipe
Easy Rocket Salad with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
TAVO
THE SALAD WAS SUPER EASY TO MAKE AND DELICIOUS; DEFINITELY MAKING IT AGAIN. THANK YOU!
Kerri
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!
Mahy
I love the ingredient combo in this salad. Fantastic choice and very easy instructions to follow.
Andrea
Quick, easy to make and full of great flavors, this salad is fantastic.