Smoked salmon salad, arugula, parmesan

Smoked Salmon Salad with Arugula and Parmesan: A Burst of Flavors for Lunch or Dinner

When looking for a light yet flavorful meal, the smoked salmon salad with arugula and parmesan becomes an excellent choice. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also brings a perfect balance between fresh ingredients and intense flavors. With a refined taste and an attractive presentation, it is ideal for both an elegant lunch and a relaxing dinner. Let’s venture into preparing this delicious salad!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

- A handful of fresh arugula leaves (about 50g)
- 2 strips of smoked salmon (about 100g)
- 5 cherry tomatoes
- 5 quail eggs
- 30g parmesan
- Dressing made from olive oil and vinaigrette (recipe at the end)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of sunflower seeds (about 20g) for added crunch

The Story Behind the Recipe

Salads have been part of human diet for thousands of years. Their origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, but they have evolved over the centuries, adapting to available tastes and ingredients. This smoked salmon salad with arugula and parmesan is a modern combination, inspired by current culinary trends, blending simple ingredients in a way that highlights the flavor of each.

The Perfect Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the Ingredients
- Start by washing the arugula well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Dry the arugula using a kitchen towel or a salad spinner.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes, then cut them in half. This will allow their natural juices to mix with the other ingredients.
- In a small pot, bring water to a boil for the quail eggs. When the water is boiling, add the eggs and let them boil for 4-5 minutes to achieve a soft yolk. Once done, transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Carefully peel and cut them in half.

2. Preparing the Salmon and Parmesan
- Tear the smoked salmon into suitable strips, ensuring that each piece is well separated to integrate nicely into the salad.
- Use a peeler to slice the parmesan into thin shavings. These will add a creamy texture and a salty taste that will complement the other ingredients well.

3. Assembling the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, strips of smoked salmon, and quail egg halves.
- Sprinkle the parmesan shavings on top, and for added crunch, add the sunflower seeds.
- Prepare the dressing: mix the olive oil with the vinaigrette (you can use a 3:1 ratio of olive oil to vinegar) and add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine the ingredients.

4. Serving
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. You can garnish the plate with a few arugula leaves and some leftover parmesan shavings for an elegant touch.

Practical Tips

- Fresh Ingredients: Buy fresh, quality ingredients. The arugula should be crisp, and the smoked salmon should be flavorful and well-preserved.
- Dressing Preparation: You can experiment with different types of oils or vinegars in the dressing, such as extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar, to add a personalized touch to the salad.
- Recipe Variations: You can add avocado for a creamy texture, or olives for an extra flavor. You can also substitute the smoked salmon with tuna or grilled chicken for a different option.

Nutritional Information

This salad is not only delicious but also very nutritious. One serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g

Arugula is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, while smoked salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute quail eggs with regular eggs?
- Yes, you can use hard-boiled chicken eggs, but adjust the cooking time, as chicken eggs require more time to cook.

2. How can I keep the salad fresh for the next day?
- Keep the ingredients separate (arugula, salmon, dressing) in an airtight container. Mix them just before serving to avoid sogginess.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
- A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a gin cocktail with lemonade are excellent choices to complement the salad's flavors.

Personal Note

This smoked salmon salad with arugula and parmesan has quickly become one of my favorites. It reminds me of summer meals spent with family, where the freshness of the ingredients made us feel good and energized. I encourage you to experiment and add your favorite ingredients, turning every meal into a special occasion. Enjoy your meal!