15-Minute Baby Kale and Arugula Salad
A fresh and peppery salad combining tender baby kale and arugula with creamy, tangy Gorgonzola cheese. The simple balsamic vinaigrette brightens the slightly bitter greens while the cheese adds richness and depth. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant starter, this salad showcases quality ingredients with minimal preparation. The combination of two nutrient-dense greens creates interesting textural contrast, while the homemade dressing can be adjusted to taste preference.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Wash greens in salad spinner and spin very dry if needed
- 2
Crumble Gorgonzola cheese or measure out desired amount from container
- 3
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice
- 4
Taste dressing and add more olive oil if too strong
- 5
Toss salad with desired amount of dressing until preferred wetness
- 6
Add most of crumbled Gorgonzola and toss again
- 7
Serve immediately, topping each portion with remaining cheese
Tips
Most packaged greens don't need washing, but spin dry any that do to prevent watery dressing
Taste the vinaigrette before adding - you can adjust with more olive oil if too acidic or more vinegar for tang
Reserve some cheese for garnish to make individual servings look more appealing
Good to Know
refrigerate dressed salad up to 2 hours maximum
prepare dressing up to 3 days ahead, dress salad just before serving
serve immediately after dressing to prevent wilting
Common Mistakes
dress salad just before serving to avoid soggy greens
spin greens completely dry to prevent watery dressing
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Keep components separate until serving. The dressing can be made 3 days ahead, but dress the greens only when ready to eat to prevent wilting and sogginess.
What if I don't have lemon juice?
Use additional balsamic vinegar instead. Start with an extra teaspoon and taste, adjusting as needed for your preferred acidity level.
Can I substitute different cheeses?
Yes, try feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese. Each will change the flavor profile - feta adds saltiness, goat cheese brings creaminess, blue cheese provides similar tang to Gorgonzola.