Tasty Arugula Salad with Wine & Cheese Dressing Recipe
Are you looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad that is simply delicious? Look no further than this arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing recipe. This zesty and tangy salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal during those hot summer days. The peppery arugula pairs perfectly with a creamy and robust dressing that is made with dry white wine, parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise.
But what truly makes this salad unique is the combination of fresh vegetables such as cucumber, yellow bell pepper, grape tomatoes, and baby portabella mushrooms. These flavors complement the dressing perfectly and result in a tasty, colorful mix that is sure to impress your guests.
So whether you’re looking for something simple but delicious to enjoy on a weeknight or want to impress your dinner party guests, this arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Be prepared for compliments and empty plates when you serve up this delightfully refreshing salad at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a new, delicious way to enjoy arugula salad, then look no further than this recipe for Arugula Salad with Wine & Cheese Dressing. This dish is truly an indulgent experience for your taste buds, blending the fresh and bold flavors of arugula with the creamy richness of wine and cheese dressing.
Not only is this recipe extremely flavorful, it’s also incredibly simple to make. You can have a restaurant-quality salad right in your own kitchen in just a few minutes. The combination of ingredients like pine nuts, grape tomatoes, baby portabella mushrooms, and yellow bell pepper create a delightful mix of textures and flavors that add depth to the dish.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences by swapping out ingredients or adjusting the dressing to suit your taste. And with substitutions like blue cheese, goat cheese or gorgonzola instead of parmesan cheese, you can add your own creative touch to the dish.
This salad is also a healthy option for those looking to cut calories without compromising on flavor. It’s loaded with nutrients from the variety of vegetables used in the dish.
Whether you’re looking for a light summer meal or a side dish to accompany your main course, this arugula salad is sure to please. The balance of sweet and savory flavors will make it one of your go-to recipes whenever you’re in need of something satisfying yet health-conscious. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Ingredient List
To make this arugula salad with wine & cheese dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Arugula: Fresh baby arugula for the base of the salad.
- Cucumber: Sliced to add a refreshing and crunchy element to the salad.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Diced and adds a sweetness that cuts through the sharpness of the arugula.
- Grape Tomatoes: Halved for a juicy burst of flavor.
- Baby Portabella Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed for an earthy taste and meaty texture.
- Pine Nuts: Toasted and added for an extra crunch.
For The Wine And Cheese Dressing
To make the delicious wine and cheese salad dressing, you will need:
- Dry White Wine: Use a good quality, dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- White Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the richness of the Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise.
- Olive Oil: For texture and depth of flavor, use extra virgin olive oil.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated finely and adds saltiness and umami flavor to the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Makes the dressing creamy without it being too rich or heavy.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing just enough without overpowering any other flavors in the salad.
- Dijon Mustard, ground Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: These are spices that add flavor dimension to the dressing.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know why this Arugula Salad with Wine & Cheese Dressing recipe is worth trying, let’s get to the fun part – making it! Don’t worry, this salad recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
Ingredient List:
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Cheese Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
The Recipe How-To:
Step 1: Make the Cheese Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, dry white wine, red wine vinegar and season with salt and ground black pepper. With the blender/machine running gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil through the feed tube until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Blend the dressing until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 2: Make the Salda
In a large bowl, whisk together half of the prepared cheese dressing with white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and honey to make a white wine vinaigrette. Add some salt and ground pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prepare Vegetables
Add into the bowl (with vinaigrette),
– Baby arugula
– Sliced cucumber
– Diced Yellow Bell Pepper
– Halved Grape Tomatoes
– Sliced Baby Portabella Mushrooms
Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Add half of the desired amounts of parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Toss them lightly to combine.
Step 5: Serving
Place the salad onto a serving dish or individual plates. Drizzle extra cheese dressing, if desired, on top of the salad. You may also sprinkle additional cheese and pine nuts over the salad as a topping for added flavor and crunch.
Substitutions and Variations:
There are many variations you can use in this recipe depending on what ingredients you have available! For example:
- Replace parmesan cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different taste
- Instead of pine nuts use pecans, walnuts, or almonds for that added crunch
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
– Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese or blue cheese, feel free to use another cheese such as goat cheese, feta, or pecorino.
– Nuts: Instead of pine nuts, try using walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
– Vegetables: You can swap out some of the vegetables in this salad to make it more to your liking. For example, if you don’t like yellow bell peppers, swap them out for red or green bell peppers. Or skip the mushrooms altogether if you don’t care for them.
– Wine: This recipe calls for a dry white wine in the dressing, but you could also try using a red wine or even a rosé for added flavor.
– Dressing: If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of lemon juice or white wine vinegar. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more honey. You could also try adding a bit of Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
– Add-ins: To make this salad heartier and more substantial as a main dish, you could add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. Alternatively, you could serve it as a side dish alongside grilled steak or fish.
Serving and Pairing
Arugula Salad with Wine & Cheese Dressing is a delightful summer salad that makes a perfect side dish. The salad is light, refreshing, and pairs fantastically with an excellent glass of wine. Since the dressing is made with white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, it will be best to choose a white wine to serve with this salad.
If you love crisp white wine, try pairing the salad with a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. The vibrant acidity and fruity notes in these wines complement the refreshing flavors of the salad. If you prefer red wine, go for a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. These red wines can stand up to the acidity of the dressing and bring out the subtle smoky flavors of the pine nuts.
A great tip when serving this salad is to add some fresh herbs on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil enhances the aroma and adds extra flavor to the dish. Additionally, adding some freshly grated parmesan cheese brings out the cheesy flavors of the dressing and rounds off the overall flavors of the salad.
Overall, this arugula salad pairs well with any light fare such as grilled chicken breasts, roasted salmon, or even thin slices of prosciutto crudo. If you’re hosting an outdoor picnic or BBQ, consider whipping up a big bowl of this simple arugula salad – it will be an instant crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or for entertaining.
To make this salad ahead of time, simply prepare all of the ingredients as directed and store separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The dressing can be stored in a separate jar or container. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix everything together and enjoy!
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The salad will keep for up to 3 days, but note that the arugula may become wilted after a day or two. To freshen it up, simply sprinkle some fresh arugula leaves on top before serving.
If you’d like to reheat this salad, heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the salad and cook for a few minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the arugula as it will become mushy.
Overall, this arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing is a great make-ahead option that can easily be stored and reheated for meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for anyone who is short on time but still wants a healthy and delicious meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results for your arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing recipe, here are some tips that I find helpful:
1. Use fresh ingredients: Start with the freshest arugula, tomatoes, bell pepper, mushrooms, and other vegetables. Make sure they are not wilted or overripe.
2. Toast the pine nuts: Pine nuts add a nice crunch to the salad when toasted. Heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Make the dressing in advance: The cheese dressing can be prepared a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more harmonious taste.
4. Use a blender machine: To make the creamy cheese dressing extra smooth, blend all ingredients in a blender machine while gradually adding olive oil.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly; start with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before serving will make it extra crisp and refreshing.
7. Be creative with substitutions: You can easily substitute different types of cheese or nuts, use honey mustard instead of Dijon, or add sliced fruit like peaches or figs for extra flavor.
8. Serve with your favorite wine: A dry white wine or red wine will complement this salad perfectly. Experiment with different wines to find your favorite pairing.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious and impressive arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing that’s sure to delight your guests.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing is a perfect addition to any meal. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also delicious and nutritious. You’ll love its fresh, bright flavors that are sure to leave you satisfied.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients.
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for an appetizing, flavorful and healthy salad. With the variety of ingredients offered by this recipe, you’ll be able to customize it based on your preferences.
Trust me; it’s more than just another salad recipe – it’s a flavor journey that will leave you craving for more! So go ahead and try out this simple yet delicious arugula salad with wine and cheese dressing today!
Arugula Salad With Wine & Cheese Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups washed and torn arugula
- 2/3 cup sliced baby portabella mushrooms
- 1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- pine nuts, garnish
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, simmer wine over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until reduced to 1/4 cup; cool. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cheese, wine reduction, honey, muster, and pepper until smooth. Cover and chill. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.
- In a small bow, combine arugula, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell pepper, and cucumber. Divide evenly between two salad plates. Drizzle with dressing just before serving. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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