Simple arugula salad

I'm pretty sure you can't visit Italy without coming back inspired. It's just not going to happen. Plus the flights there and back leave plenty of time for recipe brainstorming.

I also have that nine hour flight back from Italy to thank for my new Veep addiction. That show is hilarious! Why didn't I watch it until now?

I digress.

I am really excited to share some of the new recipes that are inspired by my travels--like this simple arugula salad. This trip reminded me that simple food is sometimes the best type of food, and I want to continue to develop recipes that reflect that mentality.

This recipe is more like a simple equation really, because there are no specific proportions or rules here. It's all about a simple combination of arugula, fresh tomatoes and parmesan cheese. The dressing is your typical olive oil and balsamic vinegar mix with tons of fresh black pepper. If you are looking for something zippier, feel free to add some dijon mustard, honey and/or dried herbs too.

Simple Arugula Salad 

• Handful of arugula

• Handful of fresh tomatoes, mixture of chopped red heirlooms and yellow sunbursts

• Parmesan cheese, shredded

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Fresh black pepper

1. Combine the arugula, fresh tomatoes and parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Toss in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh black pepper to taste.