How To Make A Rockin’ Good Rocket Salad

Sometimes you want a tangy, fresh salad to round out a meal. Something easy to make but packed with flavor. Something bright and refreshingly tart with a variety of textures. This simple to make salad checks all those boxes. Not only is it easy to make but it’s made completely from scratch; no chemical laden dressing to be found here. Fresh ingredients with a tart flavor profile make this nutritious salad perfect for just about any meal you are serving.

Jump to Recipe

Let’s start by ditching the chemical laden croutons, just keep on walking past them in the grocery store and head over to where they have pumpkin seeds, also known as Pepitas. Did you know that Pepitas/pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and may be associated with numerous health benefits like better heart health, prostate health, protection against certain cancers, and enhance blood sugar control. They provide substantial amounts of healthy fats, and they are rich in antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium, and many other nutrients. There’s a whole lot of goodness packed into those little seeds. Plus they are DELICIOUS and provide a lovely crunch to your salad.

Place pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet and toast them over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes. The seeds will make popping sounds as they roast in the pan. Remove them from heat and set them aside for a few minutes until cooled.

TIP: Keep a close eye on the seeds as they toast, they will go from lightly toasted to burnt very quickly.

Use a vegetable peeler to create a few lovely Parmesan cheese shavings. Set aside.

Finely mince half a shallot. You could also use a couple tablespoons of finely minced onion if you don’t have a shallot on hand. 

In a bowl or jar combine minced shallot, lemon juice, olive oil, dijon mustard, and salt.

Whisk or shake until well combined. 

Place arugula in a large bowl. Top with dressing and toss until all the leaves are lightly coated with dressing.

Did you know: Here in the U.S. it’s typically called Arugula but in the U.K. it’s often called Rocket. It’s an edible annual plant used as a leaf vegetable for its fresh, tart, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor. It’s an easy to grow plant that grows best in cooler temperatures. 

Top with reserved, toasted pumpkin seeds, shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper to serve.

A huge shout out to Yvonne at Stonegableblog.com for this delicious recipe! It has become my go to weeknight salad! It’s elegant enough with it’s pretty Parmesan cheese shavings to serve to guests as well. I love the peppery arugula paired with the creamy sharpness of the Parmesan cheese, the crunch from the toasted pumpkin seeds with the light, tangy, fresh vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures makes this a truly delicious salad! Plus its nutritious and comes together in just a few quick minutes! In my opinion, that makes it pretty darn close to being the perfect salad!

Give this salad a try, you will love it!!! Scouts honor!!!

Did You Make This?

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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Colossians 3:17

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