Arugula will keep your daily vegetable servings from becoming boring. Like all leafy greens, it’s very low in calories yet it’s packed with nutrients and high in fiber. But arugula (pronounced “ah-RUE-gah-lah”) brings a little extra to the party. Its light, peppery taste puts a bit of extra zing into all kinds of dishes. It’s easy to use—no cooking needed—and can be added to many popular Nutrisystem entrees and tempting Flex meals. We’ve put together this list of recipes for incorporating the fresh flavor and nutritional punch of arugula into your menu.
If you’re tired of ordinary tossed salads, here’s a blend that will add a spark to your dinner time. It brings together the tart taste of pomegranate, sweet pear slices, crunchy and salty pistachios, creamy goat cheese and a helping of zesty arugula. It is elegant enough to serve to guests but fits perfectly into weekday meals. Give this recipe a try here! >
In this quick-and-easy dish, juicy blueberries are balanced by protein-rich quinoa, fresh goat cheese and kernels of real sweet corn. Arugula adds savory flavor, bright color and a light texture to round out the salad. Try the full recipe right here! >
Dried figs are sweet, chewy and so full of fiber that they can fill you up on their own. We enjoy them in this salad with nutty-flavored quinoa, mild-tasting goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and two of the most nutritious leafy greens, kale and arugula. The sweet and spicy dressing is made with real maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Get the recipe here! >
Power bowls bring together a mix of healthy ingredients into one filling meal. We start this one with sweet, tender butternut squash cubes and a helping of quinoa. They’re joined by creamy smooth hummus, red onions, crunchy pumpkin seeds and fresh arugula. You’re sure to feel “powered up” after eating this satisfying dish. Get the recipe! >
Try this easy-to-prepare panini and you’ll never go back to a plain old grilled cheese sandwich again. It features high-protein turkey, rich gouda cheese and sweet apple slices, plus arugula leaves to add a little zip. Layer it on a whole-wheat sandwich thin, then heat in a skillet or on the grill until it all melts into a warm and delicious lunch. Try the full recipe! >
The best salads are as pleasing to the eye as they are satisfying to the appetite. This one starts with deep red beets (canned work well) and light green cucumbers, cut into fun heart shapes. Add vivid orange slices, red onions and lush green arugula and you can have this brilliantly colorful dish ready to serve in minutes. Click here for the full recipe! >
Tangy tomatoes and sweet peaches are two great tastes of summer that lay the foundation for this filling side dish. It comes with chickpeas for protein and fiber, plus zesty red onions, crumbled feta cheese and arugula for a hint of zing. Each bite is like a little taste of sunshine. Give this recipe a try here! >
If you’ve never tried turnips or have unpleasant memories of eating them as a child, this salad is certain to entice you to discover how good they can be. The lightly spicy roots are paired with farro, a high-fiber grain with a nutty flavor, along with radishes, goat cheese and a mix of spinach and arugula. A simple salad dressing you can whip up in seconds ties all the ingredients together. Check out the full recipe here! >
Beets are the sweetest of vegetables and, when roasted, they become juicy and tender. You can cook them yourself or look for them ready-to-eat in the refrigerated section of the produce department at the grocery store. The creaminess of goat cheese blends perfectly with the beets, while fresh arugula bumps up the flavor of this uncommonly good salad. Try the full recipe right here! >
We’ve updated the classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with healthier and tastier ingredients. We used turkey bacon, which has all the flavor and less fat than the standard kind. Mashed avocado adds creaminess, so you don’t need high-calorie mayonnaise. Finally, arugula takes the place of bland ordinary lettuce. Get the recipe here! >
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that can be shredded, seasoned and cooked into a tasty but low-fat meat substitute. We love preparing it with “Jamaican jerk” spices and using it as a base for a meal in a bowl. This version is full of complementary tastes and textures from hearty black beans, sweet mango, crunchy purple cabbage and peppery arugula. Get the recipe! >
A salad can become a meal when it’s loaded with filling ingredients like grilled mushrooms and cooked barley, a high-fiber grain. Asparagus, radishes and arugula bring a mix of textures and tastes to the party. Try the full recipe! >
To finish up this list of arugula recipes, we’ve got a meal inspired by your favorite café. Featuring a homemade Green Goddess dressing, the protein-packed lunch combines tender chicken with hunks of rich avocado, hard boiled eggs and non-starchy vegetables. It’s a satisfying meal that you’ll wan to make every week. Click here for the full recipe! >
