5 Delicious Arugula Recipes for Any Meal

There's something special about arugula, a leafy green known for its distinctive peppery flavor. It's not just great for salads; this versatile ingredient can elevate any dish, whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks. In this blog post, we'll explore five delightful arugula recipes that you can enjoy at any time of the day. Each recipe brings out the unique taste of arugula, making your meals memorable and delicious.

1. Arugula and Mushroom Frittata

If you’re looking for a savory breakfast that’s quick to whip up, an Arugula and Mushroom Frittata is your answer. Here’s how to make it:

• 6 large eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup of arugula, roughly chopped
• 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, adding salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in the chopped arugula.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the mushrooms in the skillet.
5. Cook on the stove for about 2 minutes until the edges start to set, then transfer the skillet to the oven.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the frittata is set in the center.

Serve this frittata warm, garnished with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired. It’s a nutritious start to your day, packed with protein and the zesty flavor of arugula.

💡 Note: You can add any other vegetables like spinach, onions, or bell peppers for added variety.

2. Grilled Pesto Pizza with Arugula

For an easy lunch or dinner, try making a Grilled Pesto Pizza topped with arugula:

• 1 pound pizza dough
• ¹⁄₂ cup of homemade or store-bought basil pesto
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of arugula
• Tomato sauce (optional)
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using an oven, heat to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Brush the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Spread pesto over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Add mozzarella cheese on top. You can add a thin layer of tomato sauce under the pesto if you wish.
5. Grill or bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, and immediately top with fresh arugula leaves. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the arugula, enhancing its flavor.

This pizza not only looks impressive but also brings a burst of fresh flavors. The peppery arugula contrasts beautifully with the rich, nutty pesto.

3. Arugula, Avocado, and Shrimp Salad

This salad combines creamy avocado, succulent shrimp, and the sharp taste of arugula:

• 4 cups of arugula
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 12 cooked shrimp, tails off
• ¹⁄₄ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, for juice and zest
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, arrange the arugula. Top with avocado slices, shrimp, and red onion.
2. Zest the lemon over the salad, then squeeze the juice of half the lemon over everything.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and gently toss to combine.

This light yet satisfying salad is perfect for lunch or as a refreshing side dish during dinner. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout meal.

4. Arugula Stuffed Chicken Breast

Take your dinner game to the next level with this elegant Arugula Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups of arugula
• ¹⁄₃ cup of goat cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, but not all the way through, creating a pocket.
3. In a bowl, mix together the arugula, goat cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stuff this mixture into the chicken pockets.
4. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Season the outside of the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

This dish not only looks sophisticated but also delivers on taste. The goat cheese melts beautifully with the arugula, giving you a flavorful and juicy filling inside a perfectly cooked chicken breast.

5. Arugula Pesto Pasta

Transform your pasta night with this Arugula Pesto Pasta:

• 1 cup of arugula
• ¹⁄₂ cup of Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₃ cup of pine nuts
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ¹⁄₃ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound pasta of your choice
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta is cooking, make the pesto: In a food processor, combine arugula, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until roughly chopped.
3. With the processor running, stream in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the hot, drained pasta with the arugula pesto. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

This vibrant, peppery pesto changes up the traditional basil pesto, offering a fresh twist to an old favorite. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.

The allure of arugula lies not just in its sharp, peppery flavor but in its versatility to enhance any dish it touches. From breakfast to dinner, these arugula recipes show you how this leafy green can be more than just a salad base. Its unique taste can lift simple ingredients to new heights, providing both health benefits and culinary delight.

The recipes outlined here are just the beginning. You can experiment with arugula in soups, as a topping for crostini, or even mixed into your smoothies for a boost of vitamins and minerals. Its versatility makes it a wonderful ingredient for creative cooks looking to add something different to their meals.

So next time you’re at the market, grab some arugula, and let these recipes inspire you. Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors that this green can bring to your table, proving that with the right ingredients, any meal can be transformed into something extraordinary.

Can I use baby arugula instead of mature arugula?

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Yes, you can substitute baby arugula for mature arugula in these recipes. Baby arugula has a milder flavor, which can be a subtle variation in your dishes.

How long will the Arugula Pesto Pasta last in the fridge?

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The Arugula Pesto Pasta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the sauce and pasta separately if you’re storing leftovers, to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I make the Arugula and Mushroom Frittata without an oven-safe skillet?

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If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can start cooking the frittata on the stovetop, then carefully transfer it to a baking dish before finishing it in the oven.