Easy Anytime Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing & Feta – Fresh, Flavorful, Ready in Minutes
When you need something that’s healthy, fresh, and satisfying without taking a lot of time or ingredients, this Anytime Arugula Salad is the answer. With peppery arugula, creamy feta, thin-sliced red onion, and a bright lemon dressing, this arugula salad recipe is ready in minutes and pairs beautifully with nearly every meal.
Whether you're looking for a healthy side, light vegetarian lunch, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers. It's packed with nutrient-dense leafy greens, made with minimal ingredients, and easy to adjust with protein additions or fruit variations for extra color and flavor.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 240
Protein: 7g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
· Perfect for a quick dinner salad or healthy lunch
· Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian (omit cheese for vegan version)
· Quick & Easy: Just 5 minutes from fridge to fork
· Ready in 5 minutes – no cooking required
· Healthy & Gluten-Free: Packed with greens, antioxidants, and healthy fats
· Customizable: Add protein, fruit, or roasted veggies to change it up
· Fresh & Flavorful: The tang of lemon, bite of onion, and saltiness of feta give this salad a bold punch
Ingredients
156g (~5 oz) fresh arugula
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon salt (you’ll use less in the final dish; see tips)
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
Optional additions:
Parmesan, shaved
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for added protein
Fresh strawberries or pear slices for a fruit-forward twist
Roasted vegetables like sweet potato or beets
Instructions
Rinse and dry the arugula thoroughly. This prevents sogginess and helps dressing coat the leaves evenly.
Thinly slice the red onion and crumble the feta cheese if not already done.
Mix the vinaigrette: In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified – your quick lemon balsamic arugula dressing homemade base.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine arugula, onion, and feta. Pour dressing over and dress before serving. Toss gently with tongs.
Taste and adjust: Add more lemon juice or pepper if desired. Finish with optional Parmesan shavings, tomatoes, or protein additions.
Nutritional Breakdown
· Calories: 240
· Protein: 7g
· Fiber: 2g
Variations & Substitutions
For Fruit Lovers:
Add sliced apples, pears, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds.
Try a drizzle of honey with balsamic for a sweet-savory profile.
For Protein Seekers:
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon make this a full meal.
Roasted chickpeas or edamame add a vegetarian protein boost.
For Texture:
Toss in walnuts, sunflower seeds, or toasted pine nuts.
Croutons or roasted sweet potatoes give crunch and comfort.
For Extra Creaminess:
Add sliced avocado or swap feta for goat cheese.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
Store arugula in a container lined with paper towel to absorb moisture.
Add toppings like Parmesan, tomatoes, or protein at the time of serving to prevent wilting.
Pre-slice onion and portion feta in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to store arugula salad?
A: Store greens separately from the dressing. Use airtight containers and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
Q: Can I use baby arugula?
A: Absolutely. It’s milder and more tender—perfect for arugula salad for beginners or kids.
Q: How do I keep arugula from wilting?
A: Always dry it completely and dress just before serving. A salad spinner and dry paper towel in your container work wonders.
Q: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A: Yes! You can reduce the pepper and omit onions if needed to make it more family-friendly.
Q: Can I make this salad creamy?
A: Swap in a creamy dressing like tahini-lemon or avocado-yogurt for a creamy arugula dressing option.
Final Thoughts
This Anytime Arugula Salad is one of those recipes you’ll return to over and over. It’s easy, healthy, and flavorful, with just enough elegance to impress guests but enough ease to be part of your weekday rotation. With simple tweaks, it can become a meal in itself or the perfect side dish for roasted meats, pasta, or grain bowls. This kind of variety makes it great for arugula salad with protein additions, arugula salad variations with fruit, or peppery leafy green salad combos that keep things interesting. The arugula salad health benefits go beyond its flavor—it’s a true superfood disguised as a side dish.
Ready in just minutes, loaded with peppery bite and creamy feta, this salad is more than just a bowl of greens—it’s a reliable go-to for freshness, balance, and bold taste. And with all the arugula salad meal prep ideas, variations, and tips for storing arugula, you’ll never be stuck with soggy leftovers again.
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think leave a comment below—what twists did you make?
