Indulge in the timeless appeal of this Easy Rocket & Parmesan Salad – a restaurant classic that effortlessly complements almost any dish. Crisp, peppery rocket leaves are expertly tossed with sharp and creamy Parmesan, enhanced by the tangy freshness of lemon juice, and elevated with the richness of olive oil. This simple yet sophisticated salad promises to elevate your dining experience with its vibrant flavours and delightful textures.
An uncomplicated delight, this salad is a masterpiece of simplicity. Fresh rocket leaves generously adorned with shavings of Parmesan cheese are tossed in a dressing of fresh lemon juice and olive oil. This versatile side dish seamlessly accompanies almost every meal.
Rocket’s mild peppery notes, accentuated by the acidic lemon juice, effortlessly cut through the richness of meats, adding a refreshing lightness to the table when paired with carb-heavy mains.
Despite its straightforward nature, this salad deserves its esteemed place at the dinner table. A classic side dish embraced by restaurants worldwide, it serves as a canvas for creative add-ins, offering endless possibilities for culinary exploration.
With only a few fresh ingredients you can whip up this classic salad in less than 5 minutes!
Ingredients required for easy rocket & parmesan salad
The full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the page…..
How To Make
- Combine – place rocket into a serving bowl or plate.
- Add – Drizzle over lemon juice and olive oil. Season to taste and toss to coat rocket in the oil and lemon juice.
- Top – Sprinkle the salad with the parmesan cheese
- Serve – serve with your choice of main meal
ALSO KNOWN AS “ARUGULA”
Rocket
Rocket, distinguished by its small, jagged dark leaves, is a leafy green that boasts a spicy, peppery, and mustard-like flavour profile. While it’s commonly featured in salads, its versatility extends to various culinary applications. Consider these uses:
- Pizza Topping:
- Sprinkle rocket on top of pizzas to add a fresh, peppery kick after baking.
- Pesto Alternative:
- Substitute rocket for basil in pesto recipes to create a unique and flavourful variation.
- Garnish:
- Use as a vibrant and flavourful garnish to enhance the visual appeal of dishes.
- Pasta Ingredient:
- Toss rocket through pasta dishes just before serving for a burst of freshness and flavour.
- Balancing Flavors:
- Employ vinegar or citrus to balance the peppery intensity of rocket, enhancing its overall taste.
- Micro-Greens:
- Grow rocket as micro-greens, which are not only packed with flavour but also add an attractive touch as a garnish or in salads.
It’s worth noting that while rocket is commonly known as “Arugula” in the United States, the rest of the world typically refers to it as “Rocket.” Regardless of the name, it’s the same delightful green with diverse culinary possibilities.
Additional add in’s
Elevate your your Salad by incorporating a variety of enticing extras that perfectly complement its flavours. Here are some suggestions to jazz up your salad:
- Toasted Nuts:
- Walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts
- Mixed Seeds:
- Sunflower seeds, pepitas, toasted sesame, etc.
- Tomatoes:
- Grape, cherry, medley, perino, etc.
- Cheeses:
- Feta, blue vein, manchego, bocconcini
- Fruits:
- Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, apple, mango, pear
- Roast Vegetables:
- Pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, tomatoes
- Fresh Herbs:
- Parsley, basil, dill, chives
- Grilled Vegetables:
- Asparagus, zucchini, capsicum, eggplant, mushrooms
- Blanched Greens:
- Green beans, snow peas, sugar snap peas, edamame
Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences and pantry availability. Additionally, experiment with different dressings to further enhance the salad’s appeal. While the recipe suggests a simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing, a balsamic dressing is another popular and delightful option for this classic salad.
Serving suggestions
The versatile Rocket & Parmesan Salad effortlessly complements a wide array of dishes, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to your meal. Consider serving it alongside the following options:
- Grilled or Barbecued Meats:
- Chicken, fish, vegetables, or any grilled delights.
- Quiches:
- Pair with a Deep-Dish Roasted Vegetable Quiche (With Fillo) or any other quiche of your choice for a delightful combination.
- Savoury Pastries:
- Perfectly accompanies dishes such as my Tuna Jalousie with Corn or perhaps a savoury pie such as chicken and leek or a beef in red wine pie.
- Pizza:
- Elevate your pizza night with a refreshing side of Rocket & Parmesan Salad.
- Pasta Dishes:
- Enjoy alongside classics like Easy Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chilli Tomato & Squid Linguine, Tomato, Chilli & Bacon Fettuccini or my Slow Cooked Beef Shin Ragu with Pappardelle
- Roast Dinners:
- Adds a crisp and peppery element to your roast dinner.
- Pies:
- Try it with Chicken & Camembert Pies for a delightful pairing.
- Schnitzels:
- A great side for any schnitzel variety, such as Chicken & Sesame Schnitzel.
The possibilities are endless! Remember, for optimal freshness, dress the salad just before serving to prevent the lemon juice and oil from making the rocket limp. You can prepare everything in advance and dress the salad right before bringing it to the table for a perfect presentation.
You may also enjoy
- Red Cabbage Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
- Vietnamese Chicken Salad
- Pickled Cucumber Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Barley & Seeds
Have You Made This Recipe?
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Easy Rocket & Parmesan Salad
Ingredients
- 120g packet fresh rocket leaves
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon each of sea salt and cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan (See Notes)
Instructions
- Place rocket leaves into a serving bowl. Squeeze over the lemon, drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss with clean hands.
- Sprinkle over the shaved parmesan and serve.
Notes
- COOKS NOTES:
Oven Temps: Oven temperatures are for conventional, if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C.
Measurements: We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml and 1 cup = 250 ml.
Herbs: All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed.
Vegetables: All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified.
Eggs: We use extra-large size and eggs are 55-60 g each, unless specified. - MAKE AHEAD
This salad, being so quick and easy to best prepared just before serving. You can though however, have the rocket in a bowl and the cheese ready. Dress with lemon juice and oil just before serving or the salad will go soggy. - PARMESAN
You can use the purchased shaved parmesan you get at the supermarket but making your own is much nicer. Using a block of parmesan, shave off long pieces using a vegetable peeler.
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