Rocket Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

There is nothing worse than a dry bowl of bland leaves, but I promise this rocket salad is the total opposite. We’ve got peppery rocket leaves balanced out by maple syrup & sun-dried tomatoes, and a special twist: quick-pickled shallots. It’s the perfect side for my Easy Ragu Bianco!

Why you’ll love this recipe

I know rocket salad recipes get a bad rap for being bitter, but that’s usually because the dressing is too acidic or lacks sweetness. Here is why you need to try this rocket salad:

• Balanced: Rocket is naturally peppery, but by adding maple syrup and sun-dried tomatoes, we get a rocket leaf salad that is the perfect sweet-savoury combo. 
• Cuts through the richness: This is such a good side for creamy pastas or cheesy bakes. The acidity of the balsamic rocket salad acts as a palate cleanser, which will make your heavier main courses taste even better.
• The pickle trick: The quick-pickled shallots are the game changer here as it takes away that raw onion bite and adds a lot of depth. It makes the whole dish feel so fancy… in literally 5 mins! If you want a low-effort main to pair this with, give my Easy Chicken Piccata go.

For more exciting side ideas, check out Parmentier Potatoes (Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes), Crispiest Diced Potatoes in Air Fryer {Fluffy Center!}, or Crispy Garlic Fries at Home.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy ingredients for this rocket salad, just a few pantry staples you’ve probably already got.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: I love using these because they add such a concentrated, umami kick. It adds a lovely chewy texture that makes this rocket and tomato salad SO tasty & satisfying. You could use roasted peppers too, if you’ve got any left over from my Easy Sausage and Peppers.
• Shallots: We slice these super thin and pickle them in the balsamic first. It takes away the harsh bite so you don’t get onion breath from this rocket salad recipe haha 
• Maple syrup: This is non-negotiable! It balances the bitterness of the greens. Honey works too if you aren’t vegan, and then you can use it in my Simple Honey-Roasted Carrots & Parsnips Recipe.

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Here are a few rocket salad ideas if you want to switch things up!

• Make it vegan: You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan if you just swap the parmesan for a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast. Then serve the roquette salad with Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff and you’re set!
• Spice it up: If you like heat, a pinch of chilli flakes tastes amazing in the rocket salad dressing and pairs so well with the sweet balsamic.
• Add crunch: I love tossing in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts into the rocket salad with sun-dried tomatoes to add a bit of crunch. And if you go with walnuts, you NEED to make this Walnut Romesco Recipe with Gnocchi as it’s one of my favourites.

How to make The Perfect Rocket Salad

Step 1: Place the sliced shallots, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Stir and let sit for two minutes.

Step 2: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, and a crack of black pepper.

Step 3: Mix everything together thoroughly to form the dressing base.

Step 4: Add the rocket, toss until fully coated, and top with parmesan shavings and extra black pepper.

If you’ve got leftover rocket, you can use it in Easy Pesto Gnocchi (in 10 Minutes)!, Creamy Mushroom Toast, or Amazing Goats Cheese Tart with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

I honestly put this rocket salad on everything, from top of pizzas to the side of a steak. It adds such a fresh pop of colour to the table & that wild rocket salad pepperiness works with basically any protein.

Try it with:

• Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe {So easy!}
• The CRISPIEST Roast Potatoes (with make ahead instructions)
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
• Creamy Philadelphia Chicken Pasta (Cream Cheese Pasta)
• Quorn Chicken Pieces Recipe with Pesto and Vegetables (Meat Free!)
• Easy Skillet Roasted Corn {Great for Any Time of Year!}

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator: You can keep the rocket salad base in a jar for 3 days. Just don’t add the leaves until serving

Freezer: Definitely don’t freeze the rocket tomato salad or it’ll turn to mush.

Reheat: No heating needed obviously, so just eat it fresh!

Recipe FAQs

This rocket salad works well alongside Simple Pork Stroganoff Recipe (Under 30 Mins!), The Best Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta (Healthy & Easy), or One-Pan Mince Pasta if you’re building a full plate.