Arugula: 5 creative ways to use this peppery green
What's the story
The peppery leafy green, arugula, is not limited to salads.
It's a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various vegan dishes, providing a nutritional boost and a unique flavor profile.
This article presents five creative ways to use arugula in your cooking, with a focus on delicious vegan pesto variations that can transform your meals from simple to gourmet.
Basics
Classic arugula pesto with a twist
Who needs basil when you can have the peppery kick of arugula in your pesto?
Simply process two cups of fresh arugula leaves, one garlic clove, a quarter cup of pine nuts or walnuts, half a cup of olive oil, and a quarter cup of nutritional yeast in a food processor until smooth.
Not only is this version dairy-free, but it also boasts a nutrient boost over traditional pesto.
Sweet heat
Sweet and spicy arugula pesto
If you're a fan of sweet and spicy, you'll love this maple and chili twist on arugula pesto.
Simply add one tablespoon of maple syrup and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the classic arugula pesto recipe for a burst of contrasting flavors.
The maple syrup tempers the heat from the chili while amplifying the natural peppery notes of arugula.
Zesty flavor
Citrus-infused arugula pesto
Add a tangy twist to your pesto with the zing of citrus.
To create a refreshing citrus-infused arugula pesto, simply include the zest and juice of one lemon and two tablespoons of orange juice to the basic arugula pesto recipe.
The vibrant citrus flavors add a refreshing burst of brightness that pairs perfectly with the peppery arugula.
Smooth texture
Creamy avocado arugula pesto
If you're a fan of creaminess but want to avoid dairy products, incorporating avocado into your arugula pesto is a game-changer.
Simply blend in one ripe avocado with the traditional recipe to create a creamy, heart-healthy fat-filled, and ultra-smooth version.
This variation is perfect as a pasta sauce or served as a dip alongside fresh veggies.
Tangy twist
Sun-dried tomato arugila pesto
For a robust pesto with a deep, tangy flavor that matches the bitterness of arugula leaves, add one-half cup of sun-dried tomatoes (ideally oil-packed) to the food processor along with the other ingredients from our basic recipe.
This blend creates a pesto with a complex flavor profile, perfect for elevating sandwiches, pastas, or as a delicious topping on grilled vegetables.