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

The post 21 Arugula Recipes That Are Fun and Flavorful appeared first on EcoSalon.

Looking for a simple yet new and exciting summer sandwich idea? This panini recipe with Brie cheese, arugula and ripe, juicy summer nectarines may just hit the spot…or two. The tart, sweet and creamy flavors meld gorgeously.  Make sure you make enough to share with friends.

Sweet nectarines, accented with honey and freshly ground black pepper, may seem like an unusual combination. But once you try it in this panini recipe, you’ll be reaching for all kinds of stone fruit. Plums, apricots, or peaches would all work in this summery sandwich.

Seasonal Nectarine, Arugula & Brie Panini Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

honey, 1 tbsp
baby arugula leaves, 1/2 cup (1/2 oz)
Brie cheese, 2 oz, room temperature
ripe but firm nectarine, 1, thinly sliced
levain bread, 4 slices, each about 1/2 inch thick
olive oil, 1 tbsp

Directions

1. Preheat the sandwich grill. Brush 1 side of each bread slice with oil, then spread the unoiled sides with the Brie, dividing it evenly. On 2 of the bread slices, layer the nectarine, dividing it evenly. Sprinkle the nectarine with a pinch of salt and a generous pinch of pepper, then drizzle with the honey and top with the arugula. Place the remaining 2 bread slices on top, oiled sides up, and press gently.

2. Place the panini in the grill, close the top plate, and cook until the bread is golden and toasted, the cheese is melted, and the arugula is barely wilted, 3–4 minutes. Serve.

This recipe comes from Perfect Panini by Jodi Liano. Recipe reprinted with permission by Weldon Owen, July 16, 2013.

Image by Maren Caruso.

The post Seasonal Nectarine, Arugula & Brie Panini Recipe appeared first on EcoSalon.