Quick & Easy Lemony Arugula Salad with Shrimp: Your Go-To Healthy Meal (21 Day Fix Friendly!)
This Lemony Arugula Salad with Shrimp and Parmesan is quite possibly the easiest, quickest, and most delicious healthy meal you can whip up, especially if you’re following the 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers program. Whether you need a speedy lunch, a light dinner, or a vibrant side dish, this arugula salad recipe fits the bill perfectly. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with, meaning if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This post was originally shared on April 4, 2015, but has been updated and republished with fresh photos and enhanced information to bring you the best possible recipe!
Confession time – I desperately need a night out with my husband. Just one evening where we can sit down, order a delicious meal, be waited on, and actually have a conversation that isn’t interrupted 700 times by little voices needing something. Sound familiar, busy parents? Until that glorious day arrives, I’ve mastered the art of recreating my absolute favorite Lemony Shrimp and Arugula Salad from a beloved local restaurant right here at home. And believe me, it couldn’t be more simple, faster to prepare, or require fewer ingredients! It’s the perfect solution for those hectic days when you crave something gourmet but need it ready in minutes.
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Why Arugula Is Your New Salad Hero
Arugula, also known as rocket, is more than just a fancy-sounding green. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that adds a delightful peppery, slightly bitter kick to any dish. Rich in vitamins K and A, calcium, and antioxidants, arugula supports bone health, vision, and can even aid in detoxification. Its bold flavor means it stands up well to robust dressings and toppings, making it the ideal base for our vibrant lemony salad. Plus, its delicate leaves make it quick to dress and serve – no heavy chopping required!
The Magic of Lemon in Your Salad
Fresh lemon juice is the star of this simple dressing, and for good reason. It brightens every component of the salad, adding a zesty tang that perfectly complements the peppery arugula and savory Parmesan. Beyond flavor, lemon is packed with Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant, and its acidity naturally tenderizes proteins like shrimp. Using fresh lemon means you get maximum flavor without any artificial additives or hidden sugars often found in store-bought dressings, keeping this recipe truly clean and healthy.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Lemony Arugula Salad
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and minimal, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plenty of Arugula: Fresh, crisp arugula is key for that signature peppery bite.
- Fresh Lemon: You’ll need juice for the dressing and a few slices for garnish and extra squeeze.
- High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of our simple, healthy dressing. Choose a good one for best flavor.
- Your Choice of Protein:
- Shrimp: My personal favorite for its quick cooking time and tender texture.
- Salmon: Flaky, rich in Omega-3s, and pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Chicken: Grilled or shredded chicken breast makes a lean and filling option.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely! This salad is incredibly delicious with chickpeas, white beans, or even some grilled halloumi.
- Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Pepper is optional but highly recommended.
- Shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: This adds a salty, umami depth that elevates the salad. You can shave it yourself from a block for the freshest taste, or buy it pre-shaved for convenience.
How to Make This Effortless Arugula Salad
This salad truly is a lifesaver for those hot, busy days of summer when the thought of turning on the oven is just too much. Or, let’s be real, when your kids won’t give you five minutes of peace – is it just me, or is that every day? No matter the scenario, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Prepare Your Protein: If using shrimp (my preferred protein for speed), lightly season it with salt. Heat a ceramic or cast iron pan over medium heat, spray with olive oil, and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Cook the shrimp for just 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook! Remove from heat and set aside.
- Dress the Arugula: In a large bowl, combine a generous couple of handfuls of fresh arugula. Drizzle with the remaining good quality extra virgin olive oil and squeeze on the fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Gently toss everything together until the arugula is lightly coated. Taste and adjust lemon juice or olive oil if desired.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the dressed arugula onto two plates. Top each serving with the perfectly cooked shrimp and a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese. Finish with fresh ground black pepper if you like a little extra kick. And just like that, you’re done! Simple, fresh, and unbelievably delicious.
Why This Arugula Salad with Shrimp Is Absolutely the Best
- Effortlessly Elegant: It feels incredibly fancy, even if you’re enjoying it at home in your comfiest yoga pants. The simple combination of fresh ingredients gives it a gourmet touch without the fuss.
- Versatile for Any Meal: This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s robust enough to be a satisfying lunch or a light, healthy dinner. Pair it with a crusty piece of whole-grain bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
- Ready in Minutes: From start to finish, this meal comes together in less than 10 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
- No Fuss Dressing: Forget complicated dressings or store-bought bottles. The simple combination of fresh lemon juice and quality olive oil is all you need, saving you time and ensuring a clean ingredient list.
- 21 Day Fix & Weight Watchers Friendly: This recipe is a dream for those counting containers or points. The simple dressing doesn’t count as an orange container for FIXers, which means you can save that precious container for other delightful treats like my Healthy Strawberry Shortcake, No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies, or Easy Chocolate Macaroons.
Customizing Your Lemony Arugula Salad with Shrimp
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to make it your own with these simple variations:
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrient content and crunch by adding thinly sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes (halved), a few slivers of red onion, or even some diced avocado.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can add a lovely texture and healthy fats.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh basil or mint, finely chopped, can introduce a new layer of aroma and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the arugula or shrimp can add a subtle heat.
- Different Cheeses: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, crumbled goat cheese or fresh mozzarella balls would also be delicious.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Lemony Arugula Salad
- Quality Ingredients Matter: With so few ingredients, the quality truly shines through. Opt for fresh, vibrant arugula, good quality olive oil, and fresh lemons.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery. Keep an eye on it – it should be pink and opaque.
- Dress Right Before Serving: Arugula is delicate and can wilt quickly. Toss it with the olive oil and lemon juice just before you’re ready to eat to maintain its crispness.
- Season in Layers: Seasoning the shrimp with salt and then adding salt to the arugula ensures every component is flavorful. Don’t be shy to taste and adjust!
Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
This salad is fantastic for meal prep, making healthy eating even easier. Here’s how:
- Cook Protein Ahead: Cook a larger batch of shrimp, chicken, or salmon and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Greens: Wash and dry your arugula thoroughly. Store it in a breathable container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, keeping it fresh for several days.
- Make it a Jar Salad: For ultimate grab-and-go convenience, layer your salad in a mason jar. Start with the protein, then add any additional veggies (like cherry tomatoes), then the Parmesan, and finally the arugula on top. Keep the lemon juice and olive oil separate in a small container and dress right before eating. This prevents wilting and keeps everything fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Arugula Salad
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used. Simply warm it gently in the pan for a minute or two, or toss it directly into the salad if you prefer it cold. It will save you a few minutes of cooking time.
What if I don’t like arugula? What can I substitute?
If arugula’s peppery taste isn’t for you, fear not! You can easily substitute it with other greens. Baby spinach offers a milder flavor, while mixed greens provide a variety of textures. Romaine lettuce would give you a satisfying crunch.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Since the dressing is just fresh lemon juice and olive oil, there’s no real need to make it ahead. However, you can pre-measure the olive oil. Always squeeze the lemon fresh right before serving for the best flavor and vitamin content.
Is this salad gluten-free and dairy-free?
This salad is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the shaved Parmesan cheese. It will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying!
How long does this salad last?
This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to ensure the arugula remains crisp. If you have leftovers, store the dressed arugula and protein separately in the fridge and combine just before serving. It will typically keep for up to 1 day.
Looking for More Healthy Salad Recipes? Check these out:
If you love healthy, flavorful salads, you’re in the right place! Here are some other fantastic recipes to inspire your next meal:
- Easy Gluten-Free Mediterranean Chickpea Salad | 21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers | 2B Mindset
- Mason Jar Salads with Maple Cider Vinaigrette [21 Day Fix]
- Mason Jar Salad Recipes with Homemade Ranch [21 DF WW]
- Spinach and Strawberry Caprese Salad
- Maple Cider Holiday Salad [21 Day Fix | 2B Mindset]
- Flank Steak with Arugula and Shaved Parmesan {21 Day Fix}
- Avocado, Mango and Quinoa Salad
- Chicken Quinoa Mediterranean Salad with Tzatziki Dressing [21 Day Fix | WW]
I’ve only been interrupted approximately 30 times since I started writing this post, which for me, is actually pretty good! Now go ahead and make this simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious salad. You deserve a moment of culinary peace and flavor.
Bon appétit!
Lemony Arugula Salad with Shrimp and Parmesan
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 3 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided (1 tsp for shrimp, 2 tsp for arugula)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice + optional lemon zest for garnish
- 5 tablespoons shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
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Season the raw shrimp with a pinch of salt on both sides. Spray a ceramic or cast iron pan with olive oil cooking spray and set it over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to the pan, then carefully place the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
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In a large bowl, combine the fresh arugula with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and the fresh lemon juice. Toss gently until the arugula leaves are lightly coated. Sprinkle with salt and, if desired, freshly ground black pepper. Taste and add more olive oil or lemon juice if you prefer.
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Divide the dressed arugula evenly between two plates. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the salad, then finish with a generous scattering of shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Notes
Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints: Approximately 4 points per salad (based on classic system, points may vary with newer programs).
Nutrition
Are you doing a round of the 21 Day Fix or looking for more healthy eating inspiration? Check out my Etsy Shop for 21 Day Fix eBooks with full grocery lists, prep tips, and easy-to-follow recipes designed to keep you on track and deliciously fed!