Arugula, or rocket, is more than just a salad green—it’s a versatile, nutrient-packed ingredient that adds a fresh, peppery twist to countless dishes! Whether you’re tossing it into a vibrant salad, blending it into a flavourful pesto, or layering it on a pizza, arugula brings a unique taste and texture that elevates everyday meals. In this collection of arugula recipes, you’ll discover global favourites from Italy to India, all showcasing the delicious ways you can use this green powerhouse.
Get ready to explore new flavours and enjoy healthy recipes that are as tasty as they are simple to make!
Meals
- Steak tagliata with black olive and parmesan dressing [Get Recipe]
- Gnocchi with squash, amaretti and rocket [Get Recipe]
Salads
- Dukkah-spiced pork with lentil, beetroot, feta, and rocket salad [Get Recipe]
- Runner beans with rocket & Parmesan [Get Recipe]
- Crusted feta with rocket and watermelon salad [Get Recipe]
- Hot smoked trout scramble with rocket salad [Get Recipe]
- Pickled cherry, gorgonzola and rocket salad [Get Recipe]
- Warm Arugula Chickpeas Almonds Salad [Get Recipe]
- Healthy Summer Salad with Arugula and Peaches [Get Recipe]
- Rocket with baked ricotta and lemon dressing [Get Recipe]
- Grilled Potato and Arugula Salad with Fresh Herbs [Get Recipe]
- Mozzarella, beetroot, and rocket salad [Get Recipe]
Sandwiches
- Merguez tartines with red roasted pepper and rocket [Get Recipe]
- Bacon Chicken and Arugula Sandwich [Get Recipe]
- Toasted Cheddar, Ham, and Arugula Sandwich [Get Recipe]
- Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches [Get Recipe]
Rolls
- Prosciutto, pear, and rocket rolls [Get Recipe]
Pasta
- Prawn, avocado, and rocket orzo pasta [Get Recipe]
- Chicken, Smoky Garlic, Red Pepper & Rocket Pasta [Get Recipe]
- Prawn, avocado, and rocket orzo [Get Recipe]
- Creamy Lemon Arugula Pasta with Sausage [Get Recipe]
Pizzas & Loafs
- Camembert and roasted grape picnic loaf [Get Recipe]
- Egg & rocket pizzas [Get Recipe]
- Celeriac and rocket sformato – Italian[Get Recipe]
- Pizza with prosciutto and rocket [Get Recipe]
Pesto
- Linguine with fresh rocket pesto [Get Recipe]
- Rocket Pesto (Arugula Pesto) [Get Recipe]
- Nutty Arugula Pesto with Penne [Get Recipe]
Soups
- Rocket soup with goat’s cheese [Get Recipe]
- Courgette, Rocket, and Pea Soup [Get Recipe]
Arugula (Rocket)
Arugula, also known as Eruca vesicaria, is a leafy green vegetable commonly used in salads. It is part of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes broccoli, kale, and radish. The plant is characterized by its elongated, dark green leaves, which are typically deeply lobed and have a somewhat spiky appearance.
The term “rocket” comes from the Italian word rocchetta, a diminutive form of the Latin eruca, meaning caterpillar, which might refer to the hairy stems of the plant. The plant is called “rocket” predominantly in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, while “arugula” is used in North America.
Taste
Arugula has a distinct, peppery flavour with a slightly bitter and mustard-like taste, which becomes more pronounced as the plant matures. Younger leaves are milder, while older leaves can have a more intense flavour.
Types of Arugula
- Wild Arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) – Features smaller, more serrated leaves and has a stronger, more pungent flavour.
- Cultivated Arugula (Eruca sativa) – The most common type found in supermarkets, with broader leaves and a milder taste.
- Wasabi Arugula – Named for its wasabi-like spiciness.
- Sylvetta Arugula – Known for its deep green, slender leaves and strong flavour.
Nutrition in Arugula (Rocket)
Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate, Calcium, Potassium It is also low in calories and contains various antioxidants that contribute to its health benefits.
