Insalata di Rucola with Tomatoes and Parmesan
Insalata di rucola is one of those simple salads that frequently appear on Italian summer tables.
It is fresh, slightly peppery, and requires very little preparation: arugula leaves, ripe tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano flakes, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Ordering Arugula Salad in Italy
Ask for an arugula salad at an Italian restaurant and you may be asked whether you would like a little balsamic vinegar with it.
Then comes a glorious bowl of tiny, prickly leaves, dressed simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and perhaps topped with tomatoes and flakes of Parmigiano Reggiano.
There is very little to hide behind in a salad this simple. The flavour depends almost entirely on the freshness of the leaves, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the quality of the olive oil.

arugula salad recipe
Arugula salad recipe with cherry tomatoes and parmesan flakes.
Ingredients
- 1 handful arugula leaves
- 6-8 cherry tomatoes or piccadilly
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese flakes
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- salt & pepper
Instructions
-
Cut the cherry tomatoes in two.
-
Wash and drain the arugula leaves. Dry them with a kitchen cloth and place them in a bowl or serving plate.
-
Add the tomatoes and season with olive oil, and salt and pepper to your taste.
-
Finally, add the parmesan flakes, mix, and serve.
Recipe Notes
Try adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar!
Enjoy your insalata di rucola!
Claudia
