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    Home » Salads » Easy Cherry Tomato Arugula Salad: So Refreshing!

    Easy Cherry Tomato Arugula Salad: So Refreshing!

    August 9, 2024 , Updated December 16, 2024 Maria 10 Comments

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    Cherry tomato arugula salad served on a large white platter, drizzled with dressing.

    This cherry tomato arugula salad makes a great side dish or appetizer. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes complements the peppery bitterness of the arugula to create a delicious, simple Italian salad.

    Two wooden bowls filled with arugula cherry tomato salad.

    Isn’t this just the best time of year to enjoy fresh, local produce? Farmers’ markets are bursting with variety, and it’s hard not to get excited about all the delicious possibilities.

    Growing up, I was always surrounded by backyard gardens, and not much has changed!

    Today, I’ve got a peach and apple tree, a herb garden, a vegetable patch, plenty of berries, a few different types of grape vines, garlic (thanks to my dad ♥), and a few kiwi vines that, well… have no fruit. But hey, there’s always next year, right?

    One thing I never run out of is arugula! Did you know that arugula, also called rocket, takes just forty days to go from seed to harvest?

    I like to plant arugula twice each summer, about three weeks apart, so I can enjoy two harvests. I love picking the younger, tender leaves— they’re perfect for this quick and easy salad.

    It’s such a joy to make this cherry tomato arugula salad using fresh ingredients straight from my backyard. 

    Trust me, you won’t believe how simple this is!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make
    • Variations
    • Tips
    • FAQ
    • Serving suggestions
    • Easy arugula salad recipes
    • Recipe origins
    • Easy cherry tomato recipes
    • Recipe
    Ingredients to make a cherry tomato and arugula salad on a wooden table.

    Ingredients

    • Arugula: A leafy green with a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. 
    • Cherry tomatoes: I like to use Sweet 100s, as well as red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes. Any variety works.
    • Fresh Basil: Fragrant herb with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.
    • Extra virgin olive oil: If possible, use a high-quality oil that adds a fruity flavor.
    • Balsamic vinegar: A dark, richly flavored vinegar that adds a sweet-tart taste.
    • Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the salad.

    How to make

    I have included amounts for the ingredients, but truly, no recipe is required.

    A photo collage of the arugula and cherry tomatoes being prepped.
    • Prep the arugula: Give the arugula a quick rinse under cold water, then pat it dry with a clean tea towel. If you’ve got a salad spinner, now’s the time to put it to work! You’ll need about 5 ounces (140 grams) of arugula, which is roughly 6½ cups. No need to be exact—just a good handful or two.
    • Halve the cherry tomatoes: Give those cherry tomatoes a quick rinse, pat them dry, and then slice them in half. This helps them mix perfectly with the arugula and soak up all the dressing goodness. You’ll need a couple of handfuls, which is about 1½ to 2 cups.
    Ingredients to make the tomato arugula salad dressing.
    • Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt—super simple! If you like a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of black pepper, too.
    Arugula and cherry tomato salad served on a large white platter, drizzled with dressing.
    • Combine the salad: Now, you’ve got options! If you want a pretty presentation, spread the arugula and cherry tomatoes out on a large platter and drizzle the dressing over the top. Or, if you prefer, toss everything together in a big bowl. Either way, you’ll end up with a beautifully dressed salad. I like to top off my salad with a few hand-torn basil leaves.
    • Adjust seasonings: Give the salad a quick taste, and if it needs a little something extra, add more salt or pepper to your liking. Then, dig in and enjoy!

    Variations

    Looking to switch things up? Here are some of my favorite ingredients to give this salad a different texture and flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for!

    • Creaminess: Add some shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta.
    • Crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted hazelnuts, almonds or pine nuts. For a nut-free version, try sunflower or roasted pumpkin seeds.
    • Tanginess: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the salad for a burst of flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze is also great. 
    • Hearty add-ons: To make it more filling, add grilled chicken, avocado slices, a few slices of prosciutto, or cooked legumes like chickpeas or lentils.
    A close up a bowl of arugula salad.

    Tips

    • Fresh is best: Use the freshest arugula and cherry tomatoes you can find— it really makes a difference in flavor.
    • Dry your greens: Make sure your arugula is dry before tossing it in the salad. Wet leaves can make the dressing watery.
    • Taste as you go: Give the salad a quick taste before serving, and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make all the difference.
    • Don’t overdress: Start with a little dressing and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

    FAQ

    Can I prepare the salad in advance?

    It’s best to prepare and dress the salad just before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp. You can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately.

    What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?

    For a different flavor profile, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.

    How do I store leftovers?

    Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the arugula may wilt, and the tomatoes may become soggy. It’s best to consume it fresh.

    Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

    Yes, you can use other types of tomatoes such as grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or even heirloom tomatoes. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to maintain a similar texture and size.

    Serving suggestions

    • Light lunch: Fantastic when paired with garlic knots or a slice of Italian focaccia.
    • Perfect side: For a balanced dinner, serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked cod fish, or your favorite Italian stuffed shells recipe.
    • Topping twist: Use it as a topping for bruschetta or pizza to add a fresh, peppery bite.
    • Picnic ready: Pack it up for a picnic or potluck—it’s always a hit and travels well.

    Whatever you choose, this salad is sure to be a fresh and flavorful addition to your meal!

    Easy arugula salad recipes

    • The pear arugula salad nicely arranged on a white oval platter.
      Pear Arugula Salad Recipe with Toasted Walnuts
    • A white oval platter filled with a colorful arugula salad.
      Strawberry Arugula Salad: So Refreshing!
    • An Italian Piadina Sandwich filled with arugula, tomatoes and burrata cheese.
      Italian Piadina Sandwich Recipe with Variations

    Recipe origins

    I am sure you all have so many food memories associated with your childhood, I hope all of them are great!

    Growing up in an Italian household meant our backyard was always full of fresh produce, thanks to my dad’s love of gardening. Cherry tomatoes and arugula were staples, often making an appearance alongside veal scallopini. 

    I have to admit, arugula wasn’t always my favorite— it took me a while to appreciate its peppery flavor. But now? I can’t get enough of it! Funny how our tastes change as we grow up.

    I hope you enjoy this healthy arugula tomato salad this summer as much as my family does!  

    WELCOME! Sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER for more delicious recipes, tips and updates!

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria 

    Easy cherry tomato recipes

    • Cherry tomato Caprese salad in a white serving platter.
      Easy Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
    • A jar of cherry tomato sauce surrounded by cherry tomatoes on a vine.
      Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce: Only 4 Ingredients
    • A stack of sliced cherry tomato focaccia bread on a wooden board.
      Cherry Tomato Focaccia Bread Recipe
    • A freshly made pizza with cherry tomatoes and pesto, fresh out of the oven.
      Pesto Pizza Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

    ★★★★★ If you have made this tomato salad with arugula, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    Arugula and cherry tomato salad served on a large white platter, drizzled with dressing.

    Easy Cherry Tomato Arugula Salad

    The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes complements the peppery bitterness of the arugula to create a delicious Cherry Tomato Arugula Salad.
    5 from 2 votes
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    Course: Appetizer, Salad
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 145kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
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    Ingredients

    • 5 ounces arugula 140 grams or about 6½ cups
    • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved (about 2 dozen)
    • 6-8 fresh basil leaves hand torn
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Rinse and spin dry the arugula.
    • Place the arugula, tomato halves, and torn basil leaves in a large bowl.
    • Whisk together the olive oil with vinegar.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
    • Toss everything gently until the arugula is nicely coated with the dressing.
    • Give the salad a taste, adjust the seasonings, and enjoy!
    • Want to see how easy it is? Watch the video in the recipe card!
    Enhance Your Cooking Experience!SCROLL UP for essential step-by-step photos embedded in the article above. When available, videos can be found in the next section. These visuals are designed to help you achieve perfect results every time. Happy cooking!

    Video

    Notes

    • Fresh is best: Use the freshest arugula and cherry tomatoes you can find— it really makes a difference in flavor.
    • Dry your greens: Make sure your arugula is dry before tossing it in the salad. Wet leaves can make the dressing watery.
    • Taste as you go: Give the salad a quick taste before serving, and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make all the difference.
    • Don’t overdress: Start with a little dressing and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1237IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg
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    I originally published this post on July 29, 2017, and republished it on August 9, 2024, with updated content, photos and a video. Thanks for sharing.

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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Salads

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a retired dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara

      December 10, 2023 at 8:55 pm

      Love it! Thanks

      Reply
    2. Sara

      November 20, 2023 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      Loved it! Used arugula from our garden. Will be making this again soon. Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Ur pal val

      February 16, 2018 at 7:45 pm

      5 stars
      This cherry tomato arugula salad looks so easy to make! I’m sure it must be so refreshing. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maria

        February 17, 2018 at 7:41 am

        This arugula salad is one of my go to salads in the spring. Yes, it is really a simple salad to put together. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

        Reply
    4. Agness of Run Agness Run

      August 18, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      This is my perfect kind of salad, Maria! Can I use regular instead of cherry tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Maria

        August 19, 2017 at 10:09 am

        Absolutely Agness! I prefer the sweetness of cherry tomatoes but any kind of tomatoes are great with Arugula. Thanks for dropping by 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jovina Coughlin

      July 29, 2017 at 2:32 pm

      Great salad for this time of year.

      Reply
      • Maria

        July 30, 2017 at 10:46 am

        The taste of fresh produce is simply the best. Have a great day Jovina 🙂

        Reply
    6. Barbarito-Levitt Paula

      July 29, 2017 at 9:32 am

      A summer classic with both arugula and cherry tomatoes at their best. Full of flavor, texture and so pleasing to the eye. Thank you Maria for showcasing the simplicity of summer’s bounty at it’s best.

      Reply
      • Maria

        July 30, 2017 at 10:45 am

        Trying to take advantage of it all! Thanks for dropping by Paula. Happy Sunday ♥♥♥

        Reply

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    Maria from She loves biscotti

    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian (retired) and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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