For a super simple, quick and nutritious side dish, I love making this rocket salad with pear, Parmesan and lemon maple dressing. I will share my tips for making the tastiest rocket salad in just 5 minutes!
My Easy Rocket Salad
When it comes to making a rocket salad, you don’t exactly need a precise recipe, nor can I say this is my recipe as it’s a classic Italian dish that can take on many forms. I wanted to share the way I like to make it along with some tips for quick, easy, tasty and crisp rocket leaf salad every time.
It takes 5-10 minutes and goes with a variety of mains from grilled fish or chicken to creamy risotto and Sunday roast.
Rocket vs Arugula
Rocket is also known as arugula, roquette and rucola. They are simply different names for the same leafy green salad. Arugula is used in the North Americas and rocket is what we call it in Australia and the UK (deriving from its Italian name).
Rocket is a nutritious, leafy green salad vegetable and belongs within the Brassicaceae family similar to as mustard greens, cauliflower, and kale. It is more flavoursome than your pain iceberg or even baby spinach with peppery, mustardy, grassy notes.
Rocket is delicious in salads but can also be used to stir into cooked pasta and stews, to add a fresh twist to a pizza, or to make a pesto.
Tips For Making The Best Rocket Salad
- Fresh, crispy rocket – get it when you need it as the rocket doesn’t last long in the fridge and starts to wilt and go soggy after a couple of days. I often buy pre-washed fresh rocket in a bag so it can go straight into the salad bowl. If you do need to wash it, make sure to use something like a salad spinner or paper towels to expel excess liquid as you don’t want any water to dilute the salad dressing or make the leaves soggy.
- Good quality, aged Parmesan – yes, you can use standard, middle-of-the-road Parmesan cheese but for extra sharp flavour and plenty of umami, I try to get aged Parmesan. It goes a long way so you don’t need too much but the difference is noticeable. Cheeses like Pecorino or Manchego can be used instead.
- Dress before you serve – to keep those rocket leaves crisp and fluffy, dress the salad just before you put it on the table.
How To Make Rocket Salad With Pear & Parmesan
This is a really easy salad but here are a few quick step-by-step pics to guide you along the way.
- Step 1. If needed, wash and dry the rocket leaves and add them to a big salad bowl.
- Step 2. Shave or grate Parmesan cheese over the top, about a cup.
- Step 3. Slice half a pear into thin little strips or cubes.
- Step 4. Add the dressing ingredients straight over the top just before serving: lemon juice, maple syrup, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Toss everything together and serve.
More Leafy Green Salad Recipes
- Watercress Salad With Avocado, Orange & Chia Seeds (Paleo, Vegan)
- Cheesy Leafy Green Salad (Low-Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free)
- Beetroot, Avocado & Edamame Salad
- Sweet Potato, Prosciutto & Rocket Salad
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Ingredients
- 4 cups rocket leaves washed and dried
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese aged Parmesan is best
- 1 cup pear 1/2 of large pear, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1/2 large lemon about 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- A good pinch of sea salt and pepper
Instructions
- If needed, wash and dry the rocket leaves and add them to a big salad bowl.
- Shave or grate Parmesan cheese over the top, about a cup.
- Slice half a pear into thin little strips or cubes.
- Add the dressing ingredients straight over the top just before serving: lemon juice, maple syrup, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Toss everything together and serve.
Looks great. Going to try it 🙏