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Wild Rocket Salad with Garlic Croutons, Shaved Parmesan, and Lemon

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant wild rocket salad is a masterclass in balancing simple, high-quality ingredients. The peppery notes of the fresh wild rocket are complemented by the citrus brightness of a lemon dressing, while homemade ciabatta croutons provide a satisfying crunch. By rubbing the bread crust with a fresh garlic clove before baking, you achieve a subtle, aromatic depth that shop-bought alternatives simply cannot match.

As a versatile vegetarian side dish, this recipe is elegant enough for a dinner party yet quick enough for a weekday lunch. The addition of salty, shaved Parmesan creates a sophisticated flavour profile that pairs beautifully with grilled Mediterranean vegetables or a rich pasta dish. For the best results, use a vegetable peeler to achieve wide, delicate ribbons of cheese that melt slightly against the dressed leaves.

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Ingredients for Wild Rocket Salad with Garlic Croutons, Shaved Parmesan, and Lemon

  • 30g piece ciabatta with crust (preferably day-old)

  • 1 large garlic clove, peeled

  • 60ml plus 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 170g rocket (preferably wild

  • about 2400ml packed)

  • 2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice

  • 90g Parmesan cheese, shaved into strips with vegetable peeler

How to make Wild Rocket Salad with Garlic Croutons, Shaved Parmesan, and Lemon

Preheat oven to 204°C. Rub crust of bread with garlic clove. Tear bread into 1-inch pieces and place in large bowl; toss with 60ml olive oil. Sprinkle bread lightly with salt; arrange in single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp around edges, about 10 minutes. Cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Place rocket in large bowl. Drizzle with 45ml olive oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adding more lemon juice, if desired. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add 2/3 of croutons and half of Parmesan cheese and toss. Transfer to serving bowl; scatter remaining croutons and Parmesan cheese over and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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