Light bresaola and arugula salad. This classic Italian combination is perfect served as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch. Bresaola is a lean and nutritious cured meat that pairs wonderfully with the tangy arugula and the umami of the Parmigiano. Try it also stuffed into a focaccia, so delicious!
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Light bresaola and arugula salad
It's Spring and we're all looking for lighter yet sustaining meals. This Light bresaola and arugula salad eats like a full meal, but it can also be served as part of an appetizer platter, or a tasty side dish.
Bresaola what is...
Bresaola is a lean, air-dried salted beef that has been aged two or three months. It originates in Valtellina, an Alpine valley in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, also famous for a buckwheat type of pasta called Pizzoccheri.
Like many Italian products, Bresaola has an IGP trademark (protected geographical indication).The word bresaola comes from the Lombard term bresada, which means braised.
Unlike many other Italian cured meats, bresaola is made from beef instead of pork. It is very lean, being made from a single muscle and having its outer fat removed before the curing process. Its flavor profile is sweet and aromatic from the spices used in the curing process.
Ingredients
- Bresaola slices;
- Arugula (rocket);
- A vinaigrette made of evo oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice;
- Shavings of Parmigiano or Grana Padano.
How to make Light bresaola and arugula salad
- First, place the slices of bresaola on a serving platter, overlapping them slightly.
- Secondly, make the vinaigrette: in a small bowl, whisk the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Then, distribute half of the vinaigrette over the bresaola and place the arugula (rocket) in the centre. Drizzle the rest of the vinaigrette over the arugula.
- Lastly, top with some ribbons of Parmigiano or Grana Padano and serve.
Serving suggestions
Low in fat and high in protein, Light bresaola and arugula salad pairs great with cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, Fontina, or Taleggio. With tomatoes and olives. With grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, onion, and eggplant. Bread and focaccia are a great accompaniment. Try it also with a little drizzle of balsamic glaze.
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Light bresaola and arugula salad
This classic Italian combination is perfect served as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch. Bresaola is a lean and nutritious cured meat that pairs wonderfully with the tangy arugula and the umami of the Parmigiano. Try it also stuffed into a focaccia, so delicious!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 10 slices of bresaola
- 2 cups of arugula
- 3 Tbsp evo oil
- Pinch of salt & pepper
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 10 thin shavings of Parmigiano or Grana Padano
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
- Pour the olive oil into a small bowl. Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Take your bresaola and arrange it on your plate overlapping the slices slightly.
- Drizzle half of the dressing over the bresaola, then place the arugula in the center. Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the arugula.
- Shave the Parmigiano or Grana over the arugula. Optional, drizzle some balsamic glaze on top.
- Ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Notes
You can make it one day ahead. Store it in the fridge covered with cling wrap or in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: bresaola, salads, Mediterranean cuisine, light lunch, arugula, Parmigiano, lemon dressing, lunch ideas, healthy food,
When I am not cooking, I enjoy playing musical instruments, singing, writing. I have learned over the years to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment.
Colleen says
This salad is a perfect lunch! Thank you for introducing me to bresaola! I'm hooked.
★★★★★
Your so very welcome Colleen, always love sharing our culture through food, and the wonderful ingredients it has. Thank you so much for trying it!
veenaazmanov says
My first attempt to trying out Bresaola. Definitely need to make this salad for the weekend with both the combination.
Excellent Veena, so happy you like it and great for a weekend meal!
Thanks a million!
Mikayla says
I was able to find Bresaola at our local specialty food store, delicious salad for my lunches this week and now I want to try it in Focaccia.
★★★★★
That is truly the spirit Mikayla, love when someone gets so excited about a recipe and dives right in.
Thank you!
Jamie says
Oh my, this dish looks so delicious and very tasty! A healthy meal that everyone will definitely love and enjoy! For me, it's a perfect appetizer! Just love the presentation makes it so enticing!
★★★★★
Thank you so much Jamie. You are right, a great appetizer idea that presents so well!
Thanks for checking it out and also for being so excited about it. Much appreciated!
Cheers!
Ann says
This salad sounds so delicious! I have never made a salad like this before, so excited to give it a try!
★★★★★
You are going to love this Ann, so tasty, fresh and delightful, not to mention heathy!
Cheers!
Mindy S says
Wow! I love this so much I’m definitely making it again. Fresh, light and delicious!
★★★★★
That's wonderful Mindy, very happy that you are liking this salad so much. It is a wonderful go to lunch idea. Super easy, and full of flavor.
Have a wonderful day!
Elizabeth says
I have had this type of salad in a restaurant before, but have not tried making it at home. Sounds so simple!
★★★★★
Hi Elizabeth, highly encourage you to try making it at home, so easy, so delicious. Happy Italian salad making!
Amy Liu Dong says
I have never tasted it before but this salad dish looks so delicious and easy to make.
★★★★★
Hi Amy, we are so excited for you to try the bresaola and arugula together in that wonderful dressing. Let us know what you think very curious!
Cheers!
Dee says
This salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch and a great way to get in some greens and protein without sacrificing flavor.
★★★★★
Very true Dee. It is a wonderful healthy delicious lunch!
Have a wonderful day!
Cathleen says
This is perfect! I was looking for a side dish for tonight's dinner and I have found one! Thank you so much for this recipe 🙂
★★★★★
That's wonderful, always wanting to help out. Happy eating!
Sangeetha says
Made this today, this light bresaola and arugula salad is like a trip to Italy in a bowl! It has the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and umami flavors. I warmed up some focaccia for an elevated sandwich experience.
★★★★★
Hi Sangeetha, so happy you tried it and enjoyed it so much. you are right when you say it takes you to Italy. Yeah you tried the Focaccia sandwich, absolutely wonderful. Thank you!
Cheers!