21 Arugula Recipes That Are Fun and Flavorful

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These arugula recipes may just put all other salad greens to shame.

Its spicy leaves give arugula a very distinct taste, and while a few years ago it seemed to be a much forgotten green (and by “forgotten” I mean “snobby”), nowadays arugula is in many a recipe from pizza to pesto.

Arugula, just like all other leafy greens is quite good for you, packed with vitamins and minerals. In fact, arugula has about eight times the calcium, fives times the vitamin A, C and K, and four times the iron as iceberg lettuce. Makes you want to change your salad base doesn’t it?

But wait, what should you call it? Arugula also goes by the name “rucola” and in Britain it’s called “rocket.” Whatever name you choose to go by, it won’t stop you from taking advantage of these 21 tasty arugula recipes.

1. Arugula Salad with Thyme-Roasted Walnuts

Arugula pretty much puts all other salad greens to shame, especially when it’s topped off with these flavorful walnuts.

2. Quinoa Risotto with Arugula and Parmesan

Make this spin on risotto with quinoa instead of rice. The spicy bite of arugula pairs well with aged Parmesan.

3. Crispy Lemon Pepper Arugula

Forget about kale leaves, you want to make these crispy arugula leaves for your new favorite snack.

4. Arugula Salsa Verde

This salsa verde can go on just about anything. If you want it to be more peppery, use mature arugula leaves.

5. Mushroom Melt with Parsley Pesto, Kale and Arugula

The sandwich to beat all sandwiches.

6. Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Arugula and Poached Egg

Granted, anything with a poached egg is delicious, but anything with a poached egg and arugula? Genius.

7. Arugula Mojito

Just in case you were in the mood to drink up that arugula instead of eating it.

8. Potato Kale Soup with Parsley Arugula Pesto

Since warm weather days aren’t all the way here yet, you may still be craving some comfort food. This heart potato and kale soup gets the perfect dose of spring thanks to the addition of a pesto made from arugula.

9. Arugula Herb Quiche

The perfect spring brunch dish.

10. Arugula Pear Green Smoothie

The bit of arugula is offset by the sweetness of pear in this green smoothie recipe.

11. Grilled Potato and Arugula Salad

Warm potatoes help wilt the arugula in this simple recipe.

12. Goat Cheese and Arugula Pizza

A list of arugula recipes wouldn’t be complete without one for pizza.

13. Arugula and Leek Tart

A good combination of two spring friendly items.

14. Nectarine, Arugula & Brie Panini

Find some good bread, fruit, brie, arugula, and go!

15. Arugula and Roasted Chickpea Salad with Feta

If you are looking for a salad with a little extra protein, this is it.

16. Shiitake and Arugula Ravioli

Why not use arugula to make your own ravioli at home?

17. Arugula and Chive Baked Egg Cups

Another excellent arugula recipe that’s perfect for a Sunday brunch.

18. Arugula Almond Drop Cookies

Who said the bitter green couldn’t be used for dessert?

19. Arugula Quesadilla

A very simple dinner that you can throw together in minutes. Why not serve it with the arugula salsa verde?

20. Pumpkin Seed Arugula Pesto Sauce

A little twist on classic pesto.

21. Shaved Asparagus and Arugula Salad

As asparagus comes into season, this is a great way to put it to good use.

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Image: Chantal Kreth

Anna Brones

Anna Brones is a food + travel writer with a love for coffee and bikes. She is the author of The Culinary Cyclist and Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break. Catch her weekly column, Foodie Underground.