EatSavvy Blog

Rockin’ Rocket Salad

May 31, 2010
Denise Smith

Popping into my local vegetable market for a couple of items is proving to be more of a challenge as spring unfolds. Each day there seems to be more and more fresh, local produce to choose from and I find it hard to resist. Currently, my new fave green is Ontario arugula (otherwise known as rocket or rucola). Arugula is a leafy, aromatic green that comes loose and pre-washed or in bunches with stems. Be prepared to pay a little more for the pre-washed. Arugula is very low in calories and high in fibre, Vitamins A and C. Unfortunately, arugula will not stay fresh for long and it should be consumed within two days of purchasing or picking it.

Traditionally, arugula was popular in Italian and French cuisine, but more and more we see this peppery, mustard-flavoured green showing up in other types of dishes. Like spinach, arugula is good eaten raw or cooked. It can be tossed into pasta dishes, thrown on top of pizza or piled high on a sandwich, but more often than not, I use arugula as a salad green. The younger, smaller leaves are milder in taste than the larger ones, and tend to be better suited to salads.

Last night I made a simple arugula salad as a side dish to have with grilled chicken and it was delicious. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Warm Arugula and Asparagus Salad

Serves 3

You’ll Need

• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 asparagus spears, cut into 2” pieces
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 Tbsp pine nuts
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 3 cups arugula, torn into bite-sized pieces
• Goat cheese
• Sea salt, to taste

Prep and Cook

1. Add olive oil to a heated skillet.
2. Saute asparagus, broccoli, pine nuts and mushrooms until vegetables are bright green and pine nuts are slightly browned.
3. Arrange a pile of arugula on each plate, crumble with goat cheese and then top with warm vegetables from the skillet.

What is your favourite seasonal ingredient?