Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup Ragusano cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. In a small pan, toast pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown. Add to the bowl.
3. Add grated Ragusano cheese to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 2-4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Arugula can be substituted with spinach or mixed greens.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Pine nuts can be substituted with chopped walnuts or almonds.
- Ragusano cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Swap out the balsamic dressing for a lemon vinaigrette.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the pine nuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the salad.
- Grate the Ragusano cheese finely for better distribution throughout the salad.
- Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
Storage instructions:
- This salad is best served fresh and should not be stored.
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
Garnishes:
- None
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables would be a great addition to this salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too bitter, add a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance out the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Wash all produce thoroughly before using.
Food history:
- Ragusano cheese is a traditional cheese from Sicily, Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a peppery and nutty flavor from the arugula and pine nuts, with a tangy and salty flavor from the Ragusano cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian