Get your big salad bowl ready!

When summer’s in full swing, the best meals are the ones that are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. This Arugula and Lemon Summer Salad checks every box. It’s a simple, colorful dish made with fresh, nourishing ingredients that taste like sunshine in every bite.

The star of the salad is peppery arugula, paired with crunchy orange bell pepper, crisp radishes, juicy cherry tomatoes, and cool baby cucumbers. Chickpeas bring a little heartiness and plant-based protein, making it more than just a side salad.

And let’s not forget the lemon herb vinaigrette. Made with lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs like dill and basil, it’s zingy, fresh, and seriously addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad

This salad is super versatile. You can swap the arugula for spinach, trade radishes for red onions, or add extras like avocado, protein options, or pumpkin seeds for crunch. It makes 2 to 3 servings and comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a backyard gathering.

Arugula and Lemon Summer Salad Recipe

Servings: 2–3
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Salad Ingredients

• 1 cup arugula
• ¼ cup orange bell pepper, chopped
• 3 radishes, thinly sliced
• 4 baby cucumbers, sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp feta cheese
• ½ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, and basil. Slowly whisk in olive oil until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, bell pepper, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chickpeas.
3. Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently.

Fresh, simple, and full of flavor, this Arugula and Lemon Summer Salad is everything I love about summer on a plate.