Arugula Recipes: 6 Ways to Use Arugula Greens

Arugula (Eruca sativa), also known as garden rocket, roquette, or rucola, is an edible plant in the brassica family along with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and collard greens. Originally from the Mediterranean, the peppery leafy green has long been a staple in Italian and French cuisine. Arugula became popular in the United States over the last few decades, where it is a common choice for salad greens.

Keep baby arugula in a cloth or plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, where it will keep for up to five days. To store mature arugula, first, remove any twist ties or rubber bands surrounding the bunch of arugula since those bands can cause bruising. Discard any wilted leaves. If you plan to use the arugula within a day or two, rinse the leaves under cold water and remove excess moisture using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel.

If you want your arugula to last longer, wait to wash it until you’re ready to eat it. Wrap the arugula in a clean kitchen towel or store it in a plastic or cloth bag in the crisper drawer.

Fresh arugula from your local farmers’ market or grocery store adds a bright flavor to easy salad recipes served with a simple salad dressing, like a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing, or hearty pasta dishes. Here are some easy recipes that feature the versatile green, from refreshing main dishes and salad recipes to appetizers:

1. 1. Arugula avocado salad: The green adds a bright and peppery kick to salads with chopped apples, pomegranate, pecans, radish, mozzarella, beets, blue cheese, red onions, butternut squash, or fennel. Try arugula avocado salad, which pairs well with grilled fish and cherry tomato kebabs or kale and pine nut pesto pasta. Add cooked quinoa and chickpeas to your arugula salad for an easy vegan, gluten-free lunch or weeknight dinner. For a non-vegan alternative, try crumbled feta cheese, shaved Parmesan cheese, or goat cheese.
2. 2. Arugula pesto: A flavorful substitute for classic basil pesto, arugula pesto is a great use for those with a surplus of greens and fresh herbs. Use arugula pesto to make a flavorful pesto pasta or pasta salad. Alternatively, use the pesto to top grilled chicken thighs or chicken breasts for pesto chicken.
3. 3. Arugula pizza: In Italy, raw arugula is a common pizza topping, which lends brightness to the dish. Add the greens to pizzas right before they come out of the oven or just after baking. Try combining arugula with prosciutto or fresh heirloom tomatoes.
4. 4. Arugula salad with Parmesan: In this classic Italian dish, peppery arugula balances perfectly with tart fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, black pepper, croutons, and thin, nutty shavings of Parmesan.
5. 5. Rucolino: A sweet, peppery digestive alcohol made from arugula, this liqueur is a local specialty on the island of Ischia enjoyed at the end of a meal.
6. 6. Straccetti: This Roman dish consists of thinly sliced beef, raw arugula, and Parmesan cheese. Chefs often serve the dish over noodles or on a bed of fresh greens.

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