Keto Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette 🥗

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Hey, salad fans, we've got a treat for you! Our Keto Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a real flavor powerhouse. It's full of surprise elements that keep every bite interesting. It's fresh, it's tasty, and it just might make you rethink what a salad can be. Need a filling salad for lunch or a standout side dish? This low-carb arugula delight has your back. Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get started on whipping up this fantastic salad!

Salad made with arugula, tomato, onions, feta cheese, almonds and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

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Preparation and cooking overview
Chef's note
🥗 Ingredients for this keto arugula salad recipe
For the salad
For the balsamic vinaigrette
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cooking tools required
How to make Keto Arugula Salad: step-by-step guide
Preparation steps
Cooking instructions
What to serve with keto arugula salad
How to make it healthier
Time saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time
Storage instructions
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

This salad is super quick and easy to make. You simply have to whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette dressing, add red onion slices, cherry tomatoes, and arugula, and give everything a good toss. Within 10 minutes, you'll have a refreshing and flavorful salad.

Chef's note

Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to customize this keto arugula salad. You can also add sliced avocado, radishes, or even fresh berries for extra flavor. If you're adding berries, be mindful of the carb count.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🥗 Ingredients for this keto arugula salad recipe

For the salad

Ingredients like arugula, cherry tomatoes, onion, chopped almonds, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dijon mustard made ready on the table to prepare keto salad dish.

2 handfuls of arugula
8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
½ medium red onion, sliced
¼ cup almonds (raw and unsalted), chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the balsamic vinaigrette

Ingredients made ready on the table to make Balsamic Vinaigrette.

½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
⅛ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient substitutions

Red onions: If you don't have red onions or prefer a milder flavor, you can use shallots instead.
Almonds: If you don't have almonds go for chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds.
Feta cheese: If you're not a fan of feta, use crumbly cheese like goat or blue cheese, or simply add nutritional yeast.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use avocado oil, walnut oil, or even flaxseed oil as a substitute for olive oil.
Dijon mustard: If you don't have Dijon mustard, use yellow or stone-ground mustard for a similar tangy kick.
Garlic: You can use garlic powder or granulated garlic if you don't have fresh garlic at home.

Additional ingredients

Avocado: Slice up some creamy avocado to add a rich and nutrient-dense boost.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Add this to the salad for depth of flavor. They go really well with this combination.
Cucumbers: Add cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds over the salad for a nutty taste.
Lemon juice: For tangy flavor, add some drops of fresh lemon juice to the keto balsamic vinaigrette.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Arugula Salad recipe, you need the following tools:

Knife
Cutting board
Whisk
Whisking bowl
Air-tight container

How to make Keto Arugula Salad: step-by-step guide

Preparation steps

Gather all the required ingredients for the recipe.
Measure them and grab all the tools.
Set up your cooking area.

Cooking instructions

In an airtight container, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add red onion slices and cherry tomatoes to the airtight container.
Then place the arugula leaves on top of the cherry tomatoes and red onions.
Add the vinaigrette, then sprinkle the chopped almonds and crumbled feta cheese on top.
Close the lid and toss until all ingredients are well-coated.

Whisking the mixed ingredients to prepare Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Chopped onions being put in the mixing bowl with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Mixing chopped onions, cherry tomatoes and arugula.

Adding feta cheese to the salad ingredients.

Topping keto salad with chopped almonds.

Chef's pro tip

Take caution to add the right amount of dressing to the salad. Follow our instructions for making the dressing accordingly. If you still find the salad's flavor bland, add more dressing and repeat the process.

What to serve with keto arugula salad

Grilled chicken: You can enjoy juicy grilled chicken breast or our BBQ Chicken Casserole with your salad.
Cooked salmon: Check out this Keto Brown "Sugar" Glazed Salmon recipe. We think it pairs well with the fresh arugula salad.
Avocado: It's a creamy complement to the peppery arugula.
Grilled vegetables: Have grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with your salad.

How to make it healthier

You can use low-sodium ingredients.
Opt for organic arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onions.

Time saving tips

Buy pre-washed arugula.
Pre-slice red onions and cherry tomatoes and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Keto salad with greens and tomatoes served on bowls from serving dish.

What can I prepare ahead of time

Make the balsamic vinaigrette in advance and store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator.
Toast the almonds in a dry skillet, cool them, and store them in an airtight container.
If you enjoy a milder flavor of red onions, marinate the red onions in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to a day.
Crumble the feta cheese ahead of time.

Storage instructions

You can store this arugula salad in the refridgferator for up to 2-3 days.

Storing Keto Arugula Salad in a food storage box.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our sensational Keto Arugula Salad with balsamic vinaigrettes is a light, refreshing salad with peppery arugula and savory feta cheese. In just 10 minutes, you can create this satisfying dish and enjoy it for lunch or dinner! You can also add protein, like chicken, tuna, and tofu, and make it a complete meal.

Don't forget to share this recipe on social media and help your friends discover this crunchy arugula salad.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can substitute arugula with pre-packaged mixed salad greens or any other leafy greens you choose. Just ensure they are fresh and crisp for the best results.

Absolutely! You can omit raw onions from the salad if you're not a fan of raw onions.

Yes, this fresh keto salad can be prepared ahead of meal prep. Keep the dressing separate, or keep it at the bottom of the air-tight container. Mix it just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.

You can make the arugula salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a vegan cheese alternative.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the salad. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.

📖 Recipe