Arugula

Eruca vesicaria (or Eruca sativa) Vegetable, Leafy Green

Arugula Vegetable, Leafy Green

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Leafy Green

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the salad bowl: integrating arugula's vibrant peppery kick to balance rich meats, creamy cheeses, and sweet fruits."

Definition

A leafy green vegetable known for its pungent, peppery, and slightly bitter flavor. It's often used raw in salads or lightly cooked.

Best Storage Method Refrigerated, wrapped in damp paper towel
Common Names Rocket, Roquette, Garden Rocket
Vitamin K Content (1 cup) 28% Daily Value

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Arugula are:

Peppery pungent slightly bitter nutty fresh

Chef’s Secret

Add arugula *after* pasta is plated with sauce; its residual heat will lightly wilt the greens, releasing their peppery oils without making them soggy.

Best Substitutes

Watercress

peppery, slightly bitter
Ratio 1:1

Radicchio

bitter, less peppery
Ratio 1:1

Baby Spinach

milder, less bite
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose bright green leaves without wilting or yellowing. Smaller leaves are generally milder. Wash thoroughly before use.

Recipes Using Arugula

Time To Make Time To Make Course Preparation

Avocado Strawberry Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Avocado Strawberry Salad is the perfect light lunch or side dish! Made with ripe avocados, juicy strawberries, peppery arugula, and a tangy raspberry vinaigrette, this easy recipe comes together in minutes. A delightful twist on a classic salad – perfect for summer!

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Easy North American American 5 Ingredients Or Less

Arugula Salad With Strawberries

Sweet and savory perfection! This vibrant arugula salad features juicy strawberries marinated in a tangy balsamic glaze, crunchy pecans, and a simple yet delicious vinaigrette. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or a refreshing side dish. Ready in under 15 minutes!

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Cuisine Citrus Dinner Party Salads

Arugula Fennel And Orange Salad

A vibrant and refreshing arugula salad with thinly sliced fennel, juicy oranges, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. This easy 20-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, dinner side dish, or a healthy appetizer. The peppery arugula, crisp fennel, and sweet oranges create a delightful flavor combination that's both satisfying and elegant. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Dietary Tropical Fruit Low Saturated Fat Low Carb

Asian Pork And Pineapple Salad

This vibrant Asian Pork & Pineapple Salad (inspired by Cooking Light 2003) is a flavor explosion! Sweet pineapple, savory pork, and a zesty lime dressing come together in this quick and easy 30-minute meal. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing weeknight dinner. Get ready for a taste of the tropics!

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Healthy 2 Low Sodium Course Healthy 2

Arugula Pear And Parmesan Salad

Elevate your dinner with this elegant and surprisingly simple Arugula Pear & Parmesan Salad! This recipe, inspired by the Cook's Encyclopedia of Vegetarian Cooking, showcases the delicate flavor of hazelnut oil – a perfect way to use it up. Crisp pears, peppery arugula, and salty parmesan create a delightful flavor combination. Ready in minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated appetizer.

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Time To Make North American Free Of Something Eggs Dairy

Arugula Salad With Shaved Manchego

Impress your guests with this stunning Arugula Salad featuring thinly shaved Manchego cheese! Quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Inspired by a favorite recipe from my best friend Judy, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a sophisticated appetizer. Get ready to elevate your salad game!

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Lettuces Equipment For 1 Or 2 Main Dish

Biancoverde Greens On White Pizza

Experience the vibrant flavors of Scottsdale's Pizza Bianco with this incredible vegetarian adaptation of their famous Biancoverde pizza! This recipe features a creamy three-cheese base, peppery arugula, and a touch of truffle oil for an unforgettable taste sensation. Skip the prosciutto and enjoy a lighter, equally delicious version that's bursting with fresh ingredients. The key? Homemade garlic paste (recipe #73710) – it elevates the entire pizza to another level! Prepare to be amazed by this easy-to-make, restaurant-quality pizza.

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Onions Beef 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Big Bistro Burgers With Caramelized Shallots

Juicy grilled burgers topped with sweet caramelized shallots and served on toasted bread with a vibrant beet and goat cheese salad. This Rachael Ray-inspired recipe (365: no repeats) is a flavor explosion in every bite! Perfect for a gourmet weeknight meal.

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Appetizers Holiday Event Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Arugula Salad With Pomegranate And Toasted Pecans

Wow your guests with this vibrant and flavorful arugula salad! Forget heavy dressings – this recipe relies on the incredible textures and tastes of peppery arugula, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted pecans. A simple, light vinaigrette brings it all together for a sophisticated yet easy-to-make salad perfect for any occasion. Recipe adapted from Epicurious.

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Salads Salad Dressings Course Time To Make

360 Rocket Salad Arugula

This vibrant arugula salad is a flavor explosion! Toasted walnuts, crisp apple slices, and creamy cheese are tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette with a hint of Calvados for an unforgettable taste. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes!

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Chicken Breasts Chicken 60 Minutes Or Less Poultry

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Sandwiches With Goat Cheese

A crowd-pleasing recipe that's surprisingly easy to make! This Balsamic Glazed Chicken Sandwich features tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, a tangy goat cheese spread (or cream cheese for a milder flavor), sweet caramelized onions, and a rich balsamic glaze. This recipe is a guaranteed hit for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. Get ready for flavor!

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Time To Make Very Low Carbs Low Carb Time To Make

Arugula Feta Dill Frittata

This vibrant Arugula Feta Dill Frittata is the perfect brunch or light dinner option! Easy to make, packed with fresh flavors, and ready in under 30 minutes. Impress your guests with this simple yet elegant dish featuring peppery arugula, salty feta, and fragrant dill.

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Preparation Brunch Peppers Occasion

Antipasto Sandwiches With Goat Cheese

Elevate your lunch game with these gourmet Antipasto Sandwiches! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into sophisticated picnic fare, perfect for a quick lunch or impressive appetizer. Choose your adventure: creamy goat cheese or smoky vegan tofu – both options deliver a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Artisan bread, roasted peppers, artichokes, and peppery arugula create a symphony of textures and tastes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Healthy 30 Minutes Or Less Spaghetti Occasion

Cremini Mushroom Pasta With Wilted Arugula And Goat Cheese

A quick and easy 25-minute pasta dish bursting with earthy cremini mushrooms, peppery arugula, and creamy goat cheese. This recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Elevate your pasta night with this delicious and satisfying meal!

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Time To Make Course Low Sodium Preparation

Arugula Tomato And Corn Salad

Capture the taste of summer with this vibrant arugula, tomato, and corn salad, inspired by Atlanta's renowned Mi Spia Ristorante! Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans come together in a light and zesty vinaigrette. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summer BBQ. Elevate your meal with the fresh flavors of Italy!

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Time To Make Low In Something Stuffings Dressings 15 Minutes Or Less

Arugula Pesto Con Noci

Transform a bounty of peppery arugula (rocket) into a vibrant, nutty pesto! This addictive recipe, perfected and tweaked for maximum flavor, is a quick and easy way to elevate your pasta night. Toss this delicious pesto with hot spaghetti for a simple yet unforgettable meal. See extra notes below for variations.

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Salad Dressings Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Arugula Pear And Goat Cheese Salad With Pomegranate Vinaigrette

This stunning holiday salad is a symphony of flavors and textures! Sweet pears, peppery arugula, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios are perfectly balanced by a vibrant pomegranate vinaigrette. Inspired by Persian cuisine, this easy-to-make salad boasts sweet, salty, tart, crunchy, and spicy notes in every bite. The pomegranate molasses adds a unique depth, mellowing the vinaigrette's acidity while retaining its delicious tang. A showstopper for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, this recipe is a must-try! #holidayrecipe #saladrecipe #pomegranatesalad #goatcheesesalad #thanksgivingrecipe

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Occasion Corn Time To Make Served Cold

Arugula Corn Salad With Bacon Recipe

Crisp arugula, sweet corn, and smoky bacon come together in this vibrant summer salad! A simple, yet incredibly flavorful recipe ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or BBQ contribution.

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