15 Best Arugula Recipes That Pack a Peppery Punch
Choose from spring ready salads, pizzas, and sandwiches!
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Getting your greens in is always a good idea, but even more so during spring. It's the prime time for all the best spring veggies, like spring peas, crunchy carrots, fresh lettuce, and peppery arugula. And all that seasonal produce, plus the spring sunshine, simply begs for a salad to be tossed together. Or does it? While a spring salad might be the first thing that comes to mind when determining how to get your veggie fix, there are so many refreshing recipes that go beyond the salad bowl! Check out these arugula recipes to see it for yourself.
Don't get it twisted—there are plenty of arugula salad recipes on this list, like Ree's strawberry arugula salad and arugula and three-pea salad. But there are also sandwiches, sides, and even pizzas that spotlight the nutty, peppery green. Take Ree's homemade version of her favorite fig and arugula pie from P-Town Pizza or her pesto pizza with arugula and prosciutto, to name a few. The leafy green also makes a great addition to so many sandwiches for when you want a little more bite to your bite. As one of the first cool-season crops to be harvested in early spring, there's no better time to plan the next arugula addition to your spring menu than now. Use this list of the best arugula recipes as a starting point!
Pizza Bagels
With plenty of topping choices, pizza bagels appeal to both kids and adults! If you want something a little healthier than classic pepperoni, top your bagel with crunchy prosciutto and arugula!
Get the Pizza Bagels recipe.
Arugula and Three-Pea Salad
Now, here's a salad that screams spring! Not only is it full of crunchy arugula, but snow peas and plenty of fresh herbs. The addition of goat cheese and radishes adds so much color and flavor to the salad.
Get Ree's Arugula and Three-Pea Salad recipe.
Burrata Salad
Creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes were made to lie on a bed of arugula! Top the whole thing off with a drizzle of sweet, tangy balsamic glaze.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad
Balance out these tender crab cakes with a light arugula salad. Simply toss the leaves with olive oil, lemon, and lots of parmesan!
Get Ree's Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad recipe.
Pesto Pizza with Arugula and Prosciutto
Here's another mouthwatering recipe that spotlights the combo of peppery arugula and salty prosciutto. Sub your usual marinara for homemade pesto for a burst of fresh flavor!
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Make the most of spring strawberries by tossing them with arugula to make this simple salad! The peppery arugula and sweet strawberries pair perfectly with shallots, feta, mint, and pecans.
Get Ree's Strawberry Arugula Salad recipe.
Ham Sandwiches with Arugula and Pesto Mayo
This ham sandwich may not have cheese, but the crunchy veggies and pesto mayo ensure you won't miss it. Tomato, arugula, ham, and pickled red onions are encased within two slices of herbed focaccia in this elevated sandwich recipe. The homemade pesto mayo takes it to new heights!
Get Ree's Ham Sandwiches with Arugula and Pesto Mayo recipe.
Cabbage Salad
Crisp cabbage isn't the only green that makes this salad so fresh and crunchy! In addition to purple cabbage, it's chock full of toasted pecans, green apples, and arugula, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Steak Sandwiches with Wasabi Cream Sauce
Fresh baby arugula adds the perfect amount of crunch to this steak sandwich. The peppery green plays off the tender steak, chewy ciabatta, and spicy wasabi cream sauce.
Get Ree's Steak Sandwiches recipe.
Chicken Parm Salad
For a lighter take on chicken parm, swap the spaghetti for a bed of arugula! It has everything you love about the classic dish, including crispy chicken, juicy tomatoes, and cheese.
Get Ree's Chicken Parm Salad recipe.
Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad
This refreshing watermelon salad was made to be enjoyed in the warmer months, just in time for arugula season! The arugula and orzo base is bulked up with plenty of salty feta and juicy watermelon chunks.
Get Ree's Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad recipe.
Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
As its name suggests, this bright pasta salad showcases the best flavors of spring, namely peas and arugula. To preserve crunch and freshness when making ahead, make sure to store the arugula and lemon-parmesan breadcrumbs separately from the salad!
Get Ree's Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
Caprese French Bread Pizzas
Can't decide between pizza or salad? Enjoy the best of both in this inventive recipe! Each French bread slice is topped with a simple pesto sauce, lemon zest, beefsteak tomatoes, and balsamic glaze. Don't forget to serve it with a side of arugula!
Get Ree's Caprese French Bread Pizzas recipe.
Fig and Arugula Pizza
This P-Town Pizza favorite is so easy to recreate at home! It consists of a simple fig and mozzarella base baked to golden brown perfection, then piled high with prosciutto and arugula salad.
Get Ree's Fig and Arugula Pizza recipe.
Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants
These mini crois-sandwiches are perfect for a spring brunch or tea party! They're so easy to make, thanks to a store-bought pesto and rotisserie chicken. The addition of arugula adds some much-needed color to the mix.
Get Ree's Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants recipe.
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