Lemon Arugula Salad with Cheese and Walnuts

This easy lemon arugula salad is the kind of fresh, simple recipe I love making when I want something bright but still satisfying. The peppery arugula, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and two kinds of cheese come together with a quick lemon Dijon dressing that tastes fresh, balanced, and homemade.

It is simple enough for a weekday lunch, but pretty enough to serve as a side salad for dinner, brunch, or a summer gathering. The sharp cheddar adds a bold bite, while the Monterey Jack keeps it creamy and mild.

Everything comes together in about 10 minutes, which makes this salad perfect when you want something easy but still full of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad

• 4 cups arugula
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubes
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese cubes

Instructions

1. In a small bowl or glass jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, grated garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Whisk everything together until the dressing looks smooth and well combined. If using a jar, close the lid tightly and shake until the dressing is blended. Set it aside while you prepare the salad.

3. Add the arugula to a large salad bowl. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped walnuts, sharp cheddar cheese cubes, and Monterey Jack cheese cubes. Try to keep the cheese in small bite-sized cubes so every forkful has a little bit of creaminess, crunch, and freshness.

4. Pour the lemon Dijon dressing over the salad. Toss gently so the arugula stays light and fresh, but everything gets coated with the dressing.

5. Be careful not to overmix, since arugula is delicate and can wilt quickly once dressed.

6. Finish the salad with a little extra freshly ground black pepper, if you like a slightly peppery bite. You can also add a little lemon zest on top for an extra fresh citrus flavor.

7. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Make It Your Own

This lemon arugula salad is easy to customize depending on what you have at home. It feels fresh and light, but the cheese, walnuts, and homemade lemon Dijon dressing make it satisfying enough to serve on its own or as a side dish.

For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or sliced boiled eggs. If you want the salad to feel even fresher, add cucumber, avocado, or thinly sliced red onion.

You can also adjust the dressing to your taste. Add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or a little extra lemon juice if you like it brighter and more tangy.

If you love fresh summer salads, you may also enjoy my red cabbage salad, Mediterranean salad, Fresh Beet and Corn Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, or arugula salad with peaches, prosciutto, and mozzarella. They are all simple, colorful, and perfect for warm-weather meals.

You May Also Like

• Easy Yogurt Dressing
• Fresh Beet & Corn Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette 
• Crispy Chicken Pasta Salad
• Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad
• Easy Melon and Prosciutto Skewers

Final Thoughts

This lemon arugula salad is fresh, colorful, and full of simple ingredients that work so well together. The lemon dressing keeps it bright, the walnuts add crunch, and the cheddar and Monterey Jack make it feel a little more filling than a basic green salad.

It is ready in about 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for a quick lunch, an easy BBQ side, or a fresh healthy summer lunch recipe when you want something simple but delicious.