🥗 Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan 🧀
Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan is a delightful and simple salad that combines the peppery, slightly bitter flavor of arugula with the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. This dish is a classic and popular choice in many parts of the world, thanks to its refreshing taste and ease of preparation.
📜 History:
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Its use in salads can be traced back to ancient Roman and Egyptian civilizations. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, hails from Italy and has a long history, with some sources dating its origins back to the Middle Ages. The combination of these two ingredients in a salad likely developed over time as people discovered the harmonious marriage of flavors.
🥗 Components:
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Arugula: The star of the salad, arugula, is a leafy green vegetable with a distinctive peppery and slightly nutty flavor. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
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Parmesan Cheese: Shaved or grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory, and slightly salty element to the salad. It’s a crucial flavor enhancer.
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Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice provides a zesty and refreshing contrast to the peppery arugula and creamy cheese.
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Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used to make a simple dressing that ties the salad together.
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Salt and Pepper: To season the salad to taste.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Wash the Arugula: Start by washing and thoroughly drying the arugula. You can use a salad spinner or gently pat it dry with paper towels. The key is to remove excess moisture so the dressing adheres well.
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Shave the Parmesan: Using a vegetable peeler or a cheese slicer, shave the Parmesan cheese into thin, delicate strips. You can adjust the quantity to your preference.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a simple, tangy dressing.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss the arugula with the dressing. Make sure the arugula is evenly coated.
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Add Parmesan Shavings: Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the dressed arugula. You can use as much or as little cheese as you like.
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Serve: Serve the salad on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. You can add extra cracked black pepper or more lemon juice if desired.
⏰ Time Needed:
- Preparing this salad typically takes around 10-15 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish to put together, making it an excellent choice for a side salad or a light meal.
Enjoy your arugula salad with shaved Parmesan! 🥗🧀😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan:
🥗 Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3-5 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: Less than 1 gram
- Vitamin A: High (contribution from arugula)
- Vitamin C: High (from the lemon juice)
- Calcium: Moderate to High (from Parmesan cheese)
💪 Health Information:
- Low-Calorie: Arugula salad is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for weight management.
- Rich in Vitamins: Arugula is high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune function.
- Mineral Boost: Parmesan cheese provides a good amount of calcium, which is vital for bone health.
- Fiber: While not extremely high in fiber, this salad does provide some, aiding in digestion.
- Low in Sugar: It’s a low-sugar option, which is beneficial for those monitoring their sugar intake.
- Healthy Fats: The olive oil in the dressing offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Balanced Meal: This salad can be a great addition to a balanced diet, offering a mix of essential nutrients.
Remember that specific nutritional content can vary based on portion size and the exact ingredients used in your preparation. Adjust the ingredients and portions as needed to meet your dietary requirements.
