By Lisa Esile, MS,
With its peppery bite and vibrant green hue, aromatic arugula transforms everyday dishes into something memorable, pairing beautifully with everything from citrus, stone fruit, and nuts to roasted veggies, beans, and grains. In this collection of scrumptious arugula recipes, you’ll find quick salads, grain bowls, mouthwatering bruschetta, pizza, pasta, an arugula smoothie, and lots more. Let arugula up your game in the kitchen!
What does arugula taste like? Arugula has a complex peppery flavor with hints of nuttiness and a subtle mustardy bite. It’s wonderfully aromatic: You’re likely to smell arugula before you taste it!
Arugula vs. rocket: In some regions of the world, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, arugula is known as rocket or roquette. In Italy, it’s often called rucola. Other names include salad rocket and garden rocket.
Sweet Potato Bruschetta with Avocado-Tomato Topping
These creative vegan bruschettas from Ashley Madden feature a base of half-inch-thick sweet potato slices, roasted until tender. Top the sweet potato planks with crunchy cucumbers, zippy arugula, and a juicy mix of avocado and basil-infused tomato. This fresh, bread-free twist on traditional bruschetta works perfectly as an appetizer or snack.
“Amazing! I absolutely loved these! Delicious and filling, such clean and healthy fuel!” —Kylie
“Amazing! I absolutely loved these! Delicious and filling, such clean and healthy fuel!” —Kylie
Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers
In these Mediterranean-style open-faced burgers, crispy chickpea patties are given a major flavor boost from sautéed onions, sweet bell peppers, and homemade roasted red pepper hummus. The intricate flavor of arugula dressed with lemon juice complements this mix perfectly. Serve with red onion and red bell pepper slices to finish.
“These were amazing! I made them once as described.” —Alayna
“These were amazing! I made them once as described.” —Alayna
Linguine with Mushroom Pesto
Ready in just 30 minutes, this luscious linguine with mushroom pesto offers lots to love. While traditional pesto features dairy, this umami-rich vegan sauce is made by blending sautéed mushrooms with basil, garlic, and walnuts, resulting in a thicker, chunkier texture. Toss it with some hearty whole wheat linguine and finish with a mix of lemony white beans and arugula.
“Lovely recipe, delicious, quick and easy!” —Julie
“Lovely recipe, delicious, quick and easy!” —Julie
Arugula and Peach Smoothie Bowls
Looking for a morning pick-me-up for a midafternoon snack? Get a boost with this green-powered smoothie. Peaches, banana, and plant-based milk complement the sharp arugula flavor to achieve a tasty balance. You can use fresh or frozen peaches. Serve it in a glass or bowl and top with peach slices, raspberries, pistachios, and walnuts.
Grilled Peach and Blueberry Pasta Salad
Plump blueberries and grilled peaches take the lead in this memorable summer salad that's hearty enough to be a main meal and pretty enough to bring to a potluck. A lemon Dijon mustard dressing coats every forkful with bright flavor, and arugula adds depth without overpowering the other flavors. Whole grain pasta provides staying power; if you want even more protein, add a can of white beans, rinsed and drained.
Quick and Easy Veggie Tacos
Transform simple canned refried beans into a flavorful vegan taco filling in just 10 minutes by stirring in some salsa and sweet corn. Simply warm some corn tortillas and fill them with a generous amount of the bean mixture. Garnish with fresh arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. You'll be licking your fingers!
Whole Wheat Orzo and Arugula Skillet Supper
Creamy and comforting, this one-skillet orzo dish is a weeknight winner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Shallots, garlic, and fresh thyme build a savory base, while a velvety white bean sauce adds richness without any dairy. Wilted arugula and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts complete this satisfying meal, which you’ll want to make often.
“Perfect if you're craving a hit of starchy comfort.” —F
“Perfect if you're craving a hit of starchy comfort.” —F
Chilled Noodle Bowls with Mixed Veggies and Minted Pea Dressing
This quick 35-minute chilled noodle bowl is ideal for warm days. A vibrant parsley-mint dressing complements sweet peas, salty olives, and an array of crisp vegetables, including leafy arugula, creating a cafe-quality meal you’ll want to share with friends.
Caponata Pizza
Caponata, a Sicilian dish with eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and vinegar, makes an excellent knife-and-fork-pizza topping. Slather a whole wheat crust with mashed butter beans, then spoon on the saucy mix. After baking, a sprinkling of fresh arugula adds pep and freshness to the dish. Buon appetito!
Stone Fruit Pasta Salad with Fennel
Aromatic arugula pairs beautifully with juicy nectarines and cherries in this mouthwatering pasta salad that fruit lovers will go crazy for. Crunchy slivers of fresh fennel bulb and a lemon dressing pep things up, while nutty chickpeas lend heft. Serve as a main meal or with a tasty veggie burger.
“My daughter made this for me when she invited me over for dinner. It was totally delicious! I had to get the recipe so that now I can make it.” —Mary Lou
“My daughter made this for me when she invited me over for dinner. It was totally delicious! I had to get the recipe so that now I can make it.” —Mary Lou
Quinoa-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Savory Gravy
These festive butternut squash rounds are perfect as a holiday centerpiece. Filled with a delicious mixture of French green lentils, quinoa, arugula, pecans, dried apricots, and cherries, the dish gains herbaceous depth from fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. A savory gravy is drizzled over the top to finish the dish.
“Great flavors. The bitter arugula, the crunch of the pecans, the sweet pop from the dried fruit add layers of flavor
“Great flavors. The bitter arugula, the crunch of the pecans, the sweet pop from the dried fruit add layers of flavor
Green Goddess Grain Bowls
These verdant bowls from plant-based dietitian Sharon Palmer combine the heartiness of sorghum and white beans with an array of refreshing green vegetables, including creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, delicate asparagus, and fragrant arugula. To finish, drizzle with some homemade Green Goddess Dressing and scatter with pumpkin seeds.
“This salad is so fresh!” —Meg
“This salad is so fresh!” —Meg
Strawberry-Radish Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
This salad features a base of lettuce and arugula, enhanced by fresh mint. The salad has crunchy radishes, sweet strawberries, and crisp cucumber, dotted throughout, and a creamy dressing with a hint of lemon brings all the elements together.
Grilled Asparagus Salad with Dried Apricots and Almonds
Perfect for gatherings, this elegant grilled asparagus salad is texturally rich. Charred asparagus and red onion combine with tangy apricots, juicy tomatoes, and nutty almonds, all of which get served over arugula and chilled cooked farro. (Brown rice or quinoa would also work well.) Roasted garlic gives the balsamic-maple dressing a decadent flavor, finishing things off perfectly!
Tricolor Salad with Quick-Pickled Onions
This party-worthy salad combines arugula, Belgian endive, and radicchio for a colorful leafy base. Toasted walnuts provide a nutty crunch, while quick-pickled onions add a bright tanginess that complements the slightly bitter greens. Perfect as a side, this stunning salad is ideal for taking to a potluck.
Peachy-Orange Arugula Salad
An ideal accompaniment for any summer meal, this stunning arugula salad takes the juicy goodness of fresh peaches to new heights. Some peach wedges remain raw, offering a burst of fresh flavor, while others are caramelized on the grill. Aromatic sprigs of fresh rosemary are interspersed throughout, and a zesty lime vinaigrette finishes it perfectly.
“Nutritious, easy to prepare.” —Cecilia
“Nutritious, easy to prepare.” —Cecilia
Roasted Buckwheat Salad
This nutrient-packed kasha salad is a perfect balance of hearty and fresh. Steamed squash and earthy buckwheat provide a satisfying base, while juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a zesty citrus dressing brighten every bite. Serve over a bed of arugula and spinach and garnish with pumpkin seeds. Enjoy as a side dish or main meal served warm or chilled.
“So yum.” —Sharon
“So yum.” —Sharon
Jerk Grain Bowls with Air-Fried Plantain Chips
Vibrant jerk-seasoned plantain chips bring bold Caribbean flavor to this delicious tropical salad, which is satisfying without being too heavy. Air-fried for a crispy finish, the plantains pair with juicy pineapple, creamy avocado, and crunchy bell peppers to mouthwatering effect. A zesty pineapple dressing—oil-free or with a touch of richness, your choice—ties it all together.
Mediterranean Shaved Asparagus Salad
For a memorable side dish at your next barbecue, try this quick and refreshing salad featuring asparagus ribbons, orange segments, peppery arugula, hearty white beans, and briny olives. A creamy citrus-tahini dressing brings it together. (Be sure to hold off adding the dressing until just before serving; it can cause the asparagus to discolor if left too long.)
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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