Don’t know how to cook arugula? Don’t despair! Check these arugula recipes, and learn that these bitter-like leaves can make more than just spicy salads.
If you are a fan of the nutty, peppery, and slightly bitter kick that fresh arugula brings to your dishes, then you are probably used to buying these leafy greens in bulk.
Loaded with calcium, potassium, folate, and tons of vitamins, there is no doubt why these sharp green leaves are crowned as superfoods. But do you actually know how to cook with arugula?
While classic arugula salad is the first thing that comes to mind, this peppery green is versatile enough to star in many main dish culinary delights with a peppery bite. And here are the absolute best things you can cook with arugula!
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What Do I Do with a Lot of Arugula?
If your garden has flourished this year or you couldn’t resist the sale at the supermarket and you’ve got more arugula than you can eat before it goes bad, the best thing is to probably freeze the rest.
But what if you don’t like frozen arugula? If you wish to consume your leftover green leaves fresh, it doesn’t mean you have to eat a simple arugula salad all day long.
Just like spinach, you can cook many yummy dishes with arugula, too. From pizza, pasta, pesto, hummus, pies, and eggs, the sky’s the limit.
Plus, there is always an unlimited amount of salad variations to whip up, so experimenting with this peppery green is more than encouraged.
Best Arugula Recipes
If you’re looking for a delicious and palate-pleasing meal to cook with arugula, then these 31 recipes will definitely satisfy you.
1. Pasta with Asparagus, Arugula and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Source: theveganatlas.com
Arugula and asparagus complement each other in this light and hearty pasta recipe.
Though this dish looks like a springtime delight, the sun-dried tomatoes are a nice summery touch that takes the flavor to the next level.
Loaded with garlic and fresh herbs, there is nothing but fresh and pungent flavors combined in this vibrant green bowl.
Top with some parmesan cheese (opt for vegan for an even healthier meal) and watch your veggie-rich pasta disappear in no time.
Check out more salad topping ideas you’ll love!
2. Orzo Arugula Salad
Source: theforkedspoon.com
When you’re tired of rice – go with orzo, it’s the perfect salad ingredient. And when you’re out of spinach – make sure to choose arugula for your salads. And this yummy pasta salad will show you why.
Sweet, creamy, chewy, and with a peppery flavor that binds everything perfectly, this quick and nutrient-loaded salad is the perfect healthy lunch choice for your work break.
Besides, it is so colorful and juicy that you will want to consume it every day.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Arugula Salad
Source: gardeninthekitchen.com
If you’re craving roasted squash. I highly suggest you pair it with some arugula. The combo is sweet, spicy, and with a nice sharp kick that your taste buds will get instantly hooked on.
This salad also features tomatoes, olives, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and feta cheese, but you can customize it as you see fit. And it will still be super delicious!
I really recommend you add the cinnamon, as it gives a warm fragrance that works with the squash perfectly.
4. Watermelon Arugula Salad
Source: lucismorsels.com
If you’re looking for a truly layered arugula salad recipe in terms of flavors, then this is certainly the winner. Sweet and juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, tangy balsamic vinegar, and creamy goat cheese!
Bursting with flavors and nutrients, and offering the most satisfying bite, this arugula watermelon salad with tangy cheese will become your summertime backyard staple.
If you want to take the sweetness to the next level, feel free to drizzle some honey over this easy arugula salad.
5. Shrimp, Arugula, and Burrata Pasta
Source: thetwobiteclub.com
If “simple but elegant” is what you’re looking for, then this light but super delightful pasta dish with baby arugula will top your list of potential dinner recipes.
Enriched with tomatoes and tossed in a white wine sauce, this creamy pasta with shrimp, burrata, and arugula is a must-try.
Besides, it is so vibrant and colorful, that you will practically devour it with your eyes. Love pasta? Check out these low calorie pasta recipes we love!
6. Honeydew Melon Skewers
Source: lucismorsels.com
Melon cubes threaded on skewers with soft and tiny mozzarella balls and spicy arugula leaves? How about this fancy appetizer for your elegant party?
The skewered delights are also drizzled with some aged balsamic for a touch of tanginess that marries things beautifully.
Super refreshing, and most importantly, pretty straightforward and easy to make! Perfect for a party, right?
7. Prosciutto Plum Arugula Salad with Mozzarella
Source: threeolivesbranch.com
A bed of peppery arugula topped with meaty prosciutto slices, sweet plums, and soft mozzarella pearls. Toss everything in a sweet and mustardy lemon dressing, and I guarantee a foolproof salad.
So simple to throw together and extremely delicious. Once you try these citrusy, sweet, and peppery flavors bound together, this will become a regular on your table.
You can use some other smoked meat for this, but I am a die-hard fan of prosciutto here.
8. Prosciutto Melon Panzanella Salad
Source: threeolivesbranch.com
While we’re pairing sweet fruits with peppery arugula leaves, I’d like to share with you another summer salad that tastes just as delicious as it looks.
Cantaloupe with mozzarella, prosciutto, and crunchy croutons on a bed of green arugula! The perfect balance of greens, citrus, tanginess, and sweet bites, that you absolutely have to try.
The recipe uses lemon for the dressing, but I prefer it with oranges. Try it both ways and be the judge yourself.
9. Arugula Pesto
Source: mysequinedlife.com
Don’t have enough basil for your pesto sauce? How about giving this arugula recipe a shot?
With walnuts, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, once you try your pasta with this arugula sauce, you will see that basil is indeed replaceable.
I will not lie, basil pesto has that iconic taste that you cannot possibly recreate with arugula, but this spicy pesto is super delicious, too.
Make sure to use the needed amount of lemon juice, parmesan, and salt, though, as they work to soften the bittery taste of the leaves.
10. Corn and Arugula Salad
Source: cravingcalifornia.com
If you love corn and tomato salads with creamy cheese, then here is another delicacy that you won’t be able to resist. Plus, it is loaded with nutritious arugula that makes it even healthier.
So fresh, creamy, and spicy, that you will not be able to put down the fork.
This recipe uses blue cheese, but if that’s too sharp for your taste, feel free to use another kind you prefer.
11. Blistered Tomato Toast with Pesto and Arugula
Source: swirlsofflavor.com
Roasted until blistered, super juicy, and incredibly tangy, these cherry tomatoes complement the sharp arugula beautifully.
Imagine that on toasted bread, enriched with garlic flavor and drizzled with olive oil! Isn’t that the most satisfying way to have a healthy lunch, or what?
Besides, these vibrant toasts have a touch of pesto on top, which makes them even more irresistible.
Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over, and I guarantee a total hit!
12. Arugula Pizzas
Source: crazyforcrust.com
If you haven’t tried arugula pizza before, then this is definitely the recipe to go with. This pizza is loaded with your favorite pizza ingredients and topped with peppery leaves for some sharp leafy notes.
Besides, if you have fussy eaters or picky kids in your family, then what better way to trick them into having some green nutrients than making a pizza?
Cheesy, fresh, and incredibly delicious, I’m sure your taste buds will love this recipe as much as mine.
13. Peach Arugula Salad
Source: swirlsofflavor.com
Peach and arugula with mint flavors and the incredible basil freshness for the most satisfying summery treat when you need a quick lunch!
The toasted almonds add a nice crunchy bite that works almost magically with the juiciness from the peaches and the peppery arugula leaves.
With simple olive oil, mustard, and balsamic vinegar, this salad tastes incredibly refreshing.
14. Brie and Truffle Burger with Mushrooms, Arugula and Crème Fraîche
Source: christinascucina.com
You may be used to adding lettuce to your brioche buns, but trust me, spicing things up with some sharp arugula leaves will introduce a whole new flavor to your classic burger.
And this recipe does just that! Takes the classic and turns it into something incredibly delightful.
Besides, when there are crème fraiche, mushrooms, and truffles involved, how can it be anything but extraordinary?
15. Arugula Smoothie with Avocado
Source: champagne-tastes.com
Ditch your usual smoothie greens, because arugula is the new kale! Seriously, it may sound like something your nana will try to force you into trying, but it tastes amazing.
With bananas and pineapple to sweeten it up, and avocado to give it that creamy and pulpy touch, this arugula-loaded smoothie will satisfy your palate in a jiffy.
I’d suggest you double the batch, because you’ll want to spend your hot afternoons sipping on this smoothie, for sure.
Love pineapples? Get more inspiration for your next dish with these Hawaiian recipes!
16. Citrus Arugula Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
Source: thehealthyepicurean.com
We’ve already talked about how great citrus and arugula work together, but once you add some pomegranates to the mix, the salad takes on a whole new texture and flavor.
Plus, this one also includes goat cheese and avocado, which makes it even more nutritious and creamy.
The toasted walnuts are a crunchy touch that is very much appreciated, but honestly, this salad tastes amazing even without any nuts.
17. Arugula Pizza with Roasted Grapes
Source: champagne-tastes.com
If you’re not used to adding grapes and arugula to your pizza, then you better buy these ingredients in bulk, because once you try this delicacy, pizza will get a whole new meaning.
It almost feels like having a leafy and fruity salad on top of your pizza, but the sweetness from the grapes and the peppery arugula taste will add a nice touch to your crust and cheese.
The salad on top is spiced with a shallot and olive oil drizzle, and it is incredibly yummy.
18. Sweet Potato, Wild Rice and Arugula Salad
Source: reciperunner.com
If you like packing rice salads in your lunch box, then this sweet and crunchy recipe will be recharging your work batteries for a long time.
Arugula, sweet potatoes, wild rice, pecans, cranberries, apples, and pepitas, in a sweet and mustardy balsamic vinaigrette for the ultimate taste!
Of course, feel free to customize it by adding the nuts and fruits that you like the most, but I really suggest you givethis mix of ingredients a try.
Check out more college lunch recipes here.
19. Strawberry Salad with Arugula and Salted Caramel Walnuts
Source: theviewfromgreatisland.com
Arugula, balsamic, and strawberries probably don’t need any more add-ins and toppings to convince you to give them a try, as it is a well-known combo that tastes amazing.
But, when you add feta cheese and walnuts to the bowl, the salad becomes something else entirely.
The secret here lies in the sweet caramelization of the walnuts, which makes the crunchy bites ridicoulously irresistible.
If you want more heat, double (or triple!) the amount of hot pepper flakes.
20. Cantaloupe Salad
Source: tarasmulticulturaltable.com
Cantaloupes, prosciutto, lemon, mozzarella, mint, and basil, join forces with arugula in this refreshingly tasty salad recipe.
The recipe also uses red onions, but in my opinion, shallots will work just as well, adding sharpness that will complement the sweetness even more.
However you choose to personalize it, one thing is certain, this salad will definitely make one delicious and light lunch/dinner.
21. Arugula Pesto Prosciutto Tomato Pizza
Source: therusticfoodie.com
Top your crunchy tomato and prosciutto pizza with some arugula leaves, and a perfectly balanced dinner will be served.
The thing I like the most about this pizza is that it doesn’t use tomato sauce. There is pesto sauce spread over the crust, and tomato slices proudly sit on top.
Of course, the shredded mozzarella is an absolute must, as it gives the cheesy taste that you oh-so crave. Don’t you?
22. Fig, Pear, Walnut, Brie, Honey and Goat Cheese Pizza
Source: thelittlestcrumb.com
Another fruity pizza with arugula that has pears and figs as the main stars, and brie, goat cheese, and walnuts as the supporting roles that complement the rich flavor and texture.
But the thing that absolutely stands out here? The caramelized onions on top! They add a different kind of sweetness that works perfectly with the fruit and gives this pizza an even richer note.
Anjou pears are the best for this recipe, but you cannot go wrong with Bosc or any other ripe and juicy type.
23. Spiced Butternut Squash Feta Salad with Arugula
Source: therusticfoodie.com
If you’re a fan of spices like me, then this well-seasoned squash and arugula salad is something you cannot miss out on.
Paprika, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sweet and mustardy dressing to round out the veggies and cheese beautifully. How can you not ask for seconds?
The recipe suggests feta cheese, but anything that you enjoy and crumbles well, will be great here. Goat cheese is just one of the tasty options you can try.
24. Arugula Smoothie with Pineapple and Mango
Source: breesveganlife.com
What better way to freshen up and cool down on a summer afternoon than with an ice-cold tropical smoothie? With pineapples, mangos, lemon juice, banana, and… arugula.
It may not seem like the obvious choice, but arugula is super delicious in smoothies. And this fruit-loaded and nutritious sweetness is the pure proof of that.
You can also use lime juice instead of lemon, or even orange juice. The important thing is to add a citrusy touch here because it makes the smoothie even more refreshing.
25. Arugula Hummus
Source: crumbtopbaking.com
Tahini, chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, your favorite spices, and arugula. If you haven’t tried such a combo before, then now is your time to give it a shot.
The thing I love about hummus is how easy it is to come together. Just dump everything into your food processor, give it a whirl, and voila!
And this super quick and easy recipe will be the perfect dip for your crunchy veggies and tortilla chips. You can mark my words for that.
26. Arugula Salad with Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas
Source: rhubarbarians.com
Arugula and chickpeas with zesty and juicy lemons, flavorful rosemary, and preferred salad fixings such as avocado, radishes, and tomatoes.
If that doesn’t sound refreshing enough to keep you full on a hot summer day, I don’t know what does.
If you’re more of an orange fan, feel free to substitute with this citrus fruit.
27. Lemony Arugula Salad with Shrimp
Source: confessionsofafitfoodie.com
If you like shrimp just as much as you enjoy arugula, then look no more, because this lovely recipe will make your day. Well, at least your lunch!
Plenty of arugula topped with pan-cooked shrimp, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, and topped with parmesan shavings, is what you’ll be getting out of this recipe.
Super tasty and quick to put together!
28. Quinoa Arugula Salad with Pineapple
Source: itsavegworldafterall.com
Just when you think you’re running out of arugula salad options, this recipe pops up. Quinoa, arugula, pineapples, and red bell peppers for a super-filling and delightful lunch!
The dressing is as refreshing as you’d imagine it to be. With lime juice, sweet honey, and fresh mint to wrap everything up, you can never go wrong with this foolproof summer salad.
If you don’t have pineapples, keep in mind that peaches or mangoes will also do the trick. Just as long as it’s super sweet and juicy, you cannot go wrong with any fruit choice.
29. Garlicky Mushroom Ricotta Pizza with Wild Arugula and Aged Balsamic
Source: bigflavorstinykitchen.com
Pizza with arugula, mushrooms, and garlic, topped with the creamiest ricotta.
The pizza also includes some parmesan, chives, shallot, and other flavorful toppings, but the thing that flows through every bite beautifully has to be the aged Balsamic vinegar.
A mixture of textures and flavors, this crusty and rich pizza will make sure your Italian dinner nights are never boring.
30. Arugula Parmesan Pita Pizzas
Source: itsavegworldafterall.com
Okay, basically, these crunchy triangles are not pizza slices but topped pita breads. But honestly, who cares about the technicalities when there is such a satisfying snack/side dish involved?
With just a handful of ingredients, these arugula and cheese pita slices bring tons of flavor to your taste buds, that will get you super hooked on.
If you want things even crunchier, top with some chopped nuts for the ultimate bite.
31. Zucchini Arugula and Feta Frittata
Source: theroastedroot.net
Finally, you can never go wrong with green-loaded frittata. If spinach seems overrated and overused, or you have plenty of arugula in your fridge, this is the recipe you need.
With four generous cups of arugula, one zucchini, and some feta cheese, your morning eggs will taste amazing with this recipe.
Use some fresh garden veggies such as tomatoes on the side, and enjoy this yummy breakfast with a glass of your morning orange juice.