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A classic combo that never lets me down – fresh, peppery, salty, tangy and ready in under 5 minutes.

If you know me – or if you’ve been here for a while – you’ll have worked out that I’ll do just about anything to avoid buying salad dressing. I can’t justify the price, the ingredients list, or the half-used bottles that clog up my fridge and end up going to waste. Especially when I can make something better at home in 60 seconds using pantry staples I already have.

Easy Rocket Parmesan Salad Portion
Five minutes, zero chopping, maximum flavour. This is the side salad I pull out when I can’t be bothered but still want something fresh and delicious on the table.

This Easy Rocket (Arugula) and Parmesan Salad is the one I make constantly. No chopping, no cooking – just a handful of rocket, some shaved parmesan, and a quick balsamic dressing that pulls it all together. It’s peppery, salty, tangy, and somehow makes the whole meal feel a bit more complete.

I make it all the time – with pasta, steak, roast chicken, you name it. It’s perfect on a weeknight when something’s already in the oven and you just need a fresh side on the table. Or when you’ve got friends over and want a side that looks a bit fancy without doing anything fancy. It’s simple, classic and always the first thing to disappear!

Easy Rocket Parmesan Salad Recipe Mixing Bowl
The calm before the toss. Just rocket (arugula) and parmesan waiting for that quick homemade dressing.

What kind of parmesan should I use?

Go for a block of parmesan and shave it yourself using a peeler (it gives you lovely big salty flakes that hold up well in the salad), or use a Microplane to generously sprinkle the parmesan all over. Pre-shaved is fine in a pinch, but freshly shaved/grated really makes a difference. Read more about which parmesan is best here. 

Easy Rocket Parmesan Salad Ingredients
Rocket (arugula), parmesan, balsamic, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard. No long shopping list, no stress.

Can I add anything to bulk it up?

Definitely. Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, avocado, cherry tomatoes, or toasted pine nuts. It also works as a topper for wraps or toasties (grilled sandwiches), or tossed through cooked pasta with extra dressing!

Easy Rocket Parmesan Salad Recipe with Dressing
Salty parmesan + peppery rocket (arugula) + tangy balsamic = the ultimate no-fuss salad equation.

Is this kid-friendly?

It depends on the little one – the rocket (arugula) has a peppery bite, but you can always swap it for baby spinach or a milder mixed leaf blend if preferred.

Easy Rocket Parmesan Salad Recipe Dressing
Pantry staples shaken into something magic. A jar + 60 seconds = better than anything bottled.

If you enjoyed Easy Rocket (Arugula) and Parmesan Salad, I think you’ll love:

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12 Quick & Easy Salad Dressings Recipes

Easy Rocket Parmesan Salad Portion

Easy Rocket (Arugula) and Parmesan Salad

Author: Nicole
4.5 from 2 votes
“This was so easy and delicious!”
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This is the side salad to make when you don’t want to think. Easy Rocket (Arugula) and Parmesan Salad is fresh, quick and goes with absolutely everything – no chopping, no fuss, just a handful of ingredients and a dressing that takes a minute to shake together.
Prep 5 minutes
Total 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

SALAD
  • 120 g (2 cups) rocket (arugula), or use a mix of rocket, baby spinach and/or radicchio for extra colour and flavour
  • 40 g (1½ oz) parmesan, freshly shaved or grated
BALSAMIC DRESSING
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  • Combine the rocket and parmesan – Add the rocket and shaved parmesan to a large serving bowl.
  • Make the dressing – For the dressing, in a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined.
  • Combine and serve – Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Easy Rocket (Arugula) and Parmesan Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
183
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
11
g
Cholesterol
 
7
mg
2
%
Sodium
 
479
mg
21
%
Potassium
 
131
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
792
IU
16
%
Vitamin C
 
5
mg
6
%
Calcium
 
170
mg
17
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Recipe notes

Make Ahead

Salad – The rocket (arugula) and parmesan can be portioned ahead and stored for up to 3 days in the fridge, but don’t dress the salad until just before serving for best results. Find my fruit and vegetable storage tips here.
Dressing – The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving (it will solidify in the fridge). Shake before using as it may separate slightly. 

Leftovers

Once dressed, the salad is best served and eaten immediately. If making ahead, follow the Make Ahead instructions above, but don’t throw out leftovers! Store the dressed salad for up to 24 hours in an airtight container in the fridge. However, note the leaves will soften. 

Equipment

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Course salads
Cuisine Modern Australian