Candied Lemon and Arugula Salad

Name: Candied Lemon and Arugula Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 2 lemons (segments removed); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped pancetta; 1/8 teaspoon (plus 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt); 4 cups baby arugula; 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano shavings

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I love this salad on its own or with a lean protein like grilled chicken. It is perfectly salty from the pancetta and parmesan, with a sweet tang from the candied lemon, an easy secret ingredient that takes this simple salad to the next level. I also like to use the fat from the cooked pancetta to help create the dressing and give the whole dish a deeper flavor. Mix everything together with peppery arugula and get ready for this perfectly balanced salad to become your new favorite!

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Author:

Giada De Laurentiis

Image of Candied Lemon and Arugula Salad

Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 lemons (segments removed)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

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1/2 cup chopped pancetta
1/8 teaspoon (plus 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt)
4 cups baby arugula
1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano shavings

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Instructions

In a small sauce pan combine the sugar and water. Place over medium heat and bring to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon segments and simmer for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the lemons to cool in the liquid.
In a small skillet cook the pancetta over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Remove the pancetta to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve the rendered fat.
Using a slotted spoon remove the segments from the liquid and reserve. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of the liquid from the lemons. Whisk in the olive oil, 1 tablespoon pancetta fat and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Toss the arugula and reserved lemon segments with half of the dressing. Reserve the remaining dressing for another use. Sprinkle the pancetta and cheese shavings on top and serve.

1 comment

Susan Chase - Nov 03

★★★★★

★★★★★

So I went to Giada’s restaurant in Las Vegas and ordered the Candied Lemon and Arugula Salad. It was fantastic. When I got home, out of curiosity I went to her website to obtain the recipe – it looked too easy but guess what? I made it and it tasted exactly like I was served in Las Vegas! I amazed myself. I also began to experiment and added red onions and sopressata (when I didn’t have pancetta) along with some cannelli beans and a nice slice of Tuscan bread. Who needs an entree?? It was fabulous. Also if you haven’t tried her recipe for bracciole you must! It is phenomenal!