Arugula and Avocado Salad with Bagna Cauda Dressing

Arugula and Avocado Salad with Bagna Cauda Dressing
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(251)
Notes
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Ingredients

Yield:2 to 4 servings
  • 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4anchovies, finely chopped
  • 1very large garlic clove, minced
  • Large pinch kosher salt
  • 1tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Black pepper
  • 1small bunch arugula, cleaned and torn into pieces (about 3 cups)
  • 1avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

185 calories; 18 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 12 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 3 grams protein; 192 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add anchovies and cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until anchovies melt into the oil, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in salt, vinegar and pepper. Let cool to room temperature.

  2. Step 2

    In a serving bowl, toss arugula with just enough dressing to coat. Season well with black pepper. In a smaller bowl, very gently toss avocado with more of the dressing (you may not need it all). Add avocado to arugula and very gently combine. Serve immediately.

Ratings

5 out of 5
251 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

This is delicious. If you are like me and prefer anchovies from a tube instead of opening and using only part of a tin, it was important to dissolve the anchovy paste into the oil prior to actually heating the oil. I found that it dissolved much more easily when whisked into room temperature oil instead of cooking in hot oil. After dissolving in room temperature oil, I heated the oil mixture before adding the garlic and followed the recipe from that point.

I like the simplicity of the recipe. It has a very good balance of fat and acidity, which tones down the spice of the arugula, making for a surprisingly filling salad. I used canned sardines.

I grated a little Meyer lemon into the mix for a slight citrus twist and it’s delightful.

No more than 2 anchovies (and I like anchovies). That's all that's needed for the "je ne sais quois" umami quality they contribute to a dish.

Tried this as written. Taste was good but the texture didn't seem right. Shortly thereafter I came across something I'd ripped out of TIME magazine by Deborah Madison suggesting the combination of arugula, avocado and golden beets. I tried it but used the dressing from the Fuyu Persimmon salad here in Cooking. I liked the texture of that much better.

This was fantastic. When I first read the recipe I wasn't sure about the flavor combination. But I should know that Melissa Clark knows her stuff! Will make this again soon.

I warmed some leftover dressing in a pan this morning and made scrambled eggs. Oh my!!

Subbed capers for anchovies and fried with oil. Tasty!

Added pepitas for crunch factor. Soooo good!

Even if you’re not a huge anchovy fan (like me), you’re gonna love this recipe. Cooking it takes some of the funkiness out of it. But leaves enough to be a great counterpoint to the avocado. I added shaved Parmesan to the salad. It was a hit at dinner. Had leftovers the next day with a soft boiled egg - so good.

This recipe toasted panko, Aleppo pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan is just perfection. Also I doubled the anchovy and skipped the salt.

I didn't have an avocado but this was great without it. I was a bit doubtful but it really worked. I added a couple of tablespoons of red wine vinegar after tossing the greens with the dressing. So good.

I warmed some leftover dressing in a pan this morning and made scrambled eggs. Oh my!!

I made this as written. Fast, easy and delicious. I agree that it made the arugula less spicy.

No more than 2 anchovies (and I like anchovies). That's all that's needed for the "je ne sais quois" umami quality they contribute to a dish.

Didn't have anchovies so I used fish sauce. Worked.

This is delicious. If you are like me and prefer anchovies from a tube instead of opening and using only part of a tin, it was important to dissolve the anchovy paste into the oil prior to actually heating the oil. I found that it dissolved much more easily when whisked into room temperature oil instead of cooking in hot oil. After dissolving in room temperature oil, I heated the oil mixture before adding the garlic and followed the recipe from that point.

I grated a little Meyer lemon into the mix for a slight citrus twist and it’s delightful.

I thought this was ok, but really not that tasty or interesting. I probably wont make it again. There are better salads in the world... While I LOVE anchovies, I think a simple red wine vinegar and shallot dressing maybe with some high quality mustard would have been better.

I like the simplicity of the recipe. It has a very good balance of fat and acidity, which tones down the spice of the arugula, making for a surprisingly filling salad. I used canned sardines.

This was fantastic. When I first read the recipe I wasn't sure about the flavor combination. But I should know that Melissa Clark knows her stuff! Will make this again soon.

Tried this as written. Taste was good but the texture didn't seem right. Shortly thereafter I came across something I'd ripped out of TIME magazine by Deborah Madison suggesting the combination of arugula, avocado and golden beets. I tried it but used the dressing from the Fuyu Persimmon salad here in Cooking. I liked the texture of that much better.

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