Heirloom Tomato & Arugula Salad
A simple, elegant salad showcasing heirloom tomatoes with peppery arugula and a light lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs baby arugula, extra virgin olive oil, (from 1 lemon) lemon juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 oz baby arugula
- 2 cups (2 medium), cut into wedges heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (from 1 lemon) lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, chiffonade fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until combined.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 oz baby arugula and 2 cups heirloom tomatoes.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh basil just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Heirloom Tomato & Arugula Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Heirloom Tomato & Arugula Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep baby arugula from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Heirloom Tomato & Arugula Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Heirloom Tomato & Arugula Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Heirloom Tomato & Arugula Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
