Arugula, also known as rocket, is more than just a leafy green. Its peppery, slightly bitter flavor adds a distinctive punch to any dish, making it a versatile ingredient for salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. However, knowing what flavors complement its unique profile is key to unlocking its full potential. This guide explores the best food pairings for arugula, transforming your meals from ordinary to extraordinary.
Understanding Arugula’s Flavor Profile
Before diving into specific pairings, it’s important to understand what makes arugula so unique. Arugula boasts a complex flavor profile characterized by peppery, nutty, and slightly bitter notes. This distinct taste comes from the presence of glucosinolates, the same compounds found in other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and mustard greens. The intensity of the peppery flavor can vary depending on the arugula’s maturity, with younger leaves being milder and older leaves being more pungent.
The Impact of Growing Conditions
The environment where arugula is grown also plays a significant role in its flavor. Arugula grown in cooler weather tends to be milder, while plants grown in hotter conditions develop a more pronounced peppery bite. Sunlight exposure also contributes to the overall flavor intensity.
Pairing with Complementary Flavors
The key to successful arugula pairings lies in understanding how its peppery and slightly bitter notes interact with other ingredients. Ingredients that offer sweetness, acidity, creaminess, or richness often provide a balanced and delicious counterpoint to arugula’s assertive flavor. Considering the texture is equally important; a crisp arugula complements creamy or soft ingredients beautifully.
The Best Cheese Pairings for Arugula
Cheese and arugula are a match made in culinary heaven. The creamy, salty, and often tangy notes of cheese balance arugula’s peppery bite, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
Fresh Cheeses
Fresh cheeses like goat cheese, feta, and ricotta are excellent choices for pairing with arugula. Their creamy texture and mild tanginess provide a refreshing contrast to the peppery leaves. Goat cheese crumbles atop an arugula salad with a balsamic vinaigrette is a classic example. Feta, with its salty and slightly briny flavor, adds another dimension to the peppery arugula. Ricotta, especially when drizzled with honey, creates a sweet and savory combination that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Aged Cheeses
Aged cheeses with robust flavors, such as Parmesan, pecorino, and aged cheddar, also pair well with arugula. The sharpness and nutty notes of these cheeses complement the peppery leaves, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Shaved Parmesan or pecorino added to an arugula salad with olive oil and lemon juice is a simple yet elegant dish. Aged cheddar, with its bold and tangy flavor, pairs well with arugula in sandwiches or wraps.
Creamy Cheeses
Creamy cheeses like burrata and mascarpone provide a luxurious counterpoint to arugula’s peppery bite. Burrata, with its soft, creamy center, is particularly delicious when paired with arugula, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mascarpone, with its rich and slightly sweet flavor, can be used as a base for an arugula pesto or as a topping for crostini with arugula and prosciutto.
Meat and Seafood Pairings with Arugula
Arugula’s peppery flavor also complements a variety of meats and seafood, adding a vibrant touch to both simple and complex dishes.
Prosciutto and Cured Meats
Prosciutto is perhaps the most classic meat pairing for arugula. The salty, slightly sweet flavor of prosciutto pairs beautifully with the peppery leaves, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Prosciutto and arugula pizza is a popular choice, as is a simple salad of arugula, prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese. Other cured meats like salami and pancetta also pair well with arugula, adding a savory and salty element to the dish.
Grilled Meats
Grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, and lamb, benefit from the addition of arugula. The peppery leaves cut through the richness of the meat, providing a refreshing contrast. Arugula can be used as a topping for grilled steak or chicken, or as a base for a salad with grilled lamb.
Seafood
Seafood, especially oily fish like salmon and tuna, pairs well with arugula. The peppery leaves help to balance the richness of the fish, preventing it from being too heavy. Smoked salmon and arugula salad is a classic combination, as is grilled tuna with arugula and a lemon vinaigrette. Shrimp and scallops also pair well with arugula, adding a touch of elegance to seafood dishes.
Fruit and Vegetable Pairings for Arugula
Arugula’s peppery flavor pairs well with a wide range of fruits and vegetables, creating refreshing and flavorful salads and side dishes.
Sweet Fruits
Sweet fruits like strawberries, blueberries, pears, and figs provide a delightful contrast to arugula’s peppery bite. Strawberries and arugula salad with a balsamic vinaigrette is a classic summer dish. Pears and arugula salad with Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts is another popular combination. Figs, with their honeyed sweetness, pair well with arugula and prosciutto on a pizza or in a salad.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons add a bright and tangy flavor to arugula salads. Orange segments and arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette is a refreshing and flavorful dish. Grapefruit and arugula salad with avocado and a poppy seed dressing is another delicious option. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up a simple arugula salad.
Vegetables
Various vegetables complement arugula’s flavor, enhancing its versatility. Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and butternut squash bring a touch of sweetness that balances the peppery notes. Sliced raw vegetables like radishes and cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor. Roasted beets with arugula and goat cheese create a vibrant and earthy salad.
Nuts, Seeds, and Grains to Pair with Arugula
Adding nuts, seeds, and grains to arugula dishes enhances their texture and nutritional value.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements arugula’s peppery bite. Walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, and almonds are all excellent choices. Toasted walnuts or pecans add a warm and nutty flavor to arugula salads. Pine nuts, particularly when toasted, are a classic addition to arugula pesto. Seeds like pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds also add a nutritional boost and a pleasant crunch.
Grains
Grains like quinoa, farro, and barley add substance and heartiness to arugula salads. Quinoa salad with arugula, roasted vegetables, and a lemon vinaigrette is a healthy and flavorful meal. Farro salad with arugula, feta cheese, and olives is a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Barley salad with arugula, grilled chicken, and a balsamic glaze is a satisfying and nutritious option.
Dressings and Sauces for Arugula
The right dressing or sauce can elevate an arugula dish to new heights.
Vinaigrettes
Vinaigrettes are a classic choice for dressing arugula salads. Balsamic vinaigrette, with its sweet and tangy flavor, is a popular option. Lemon vinaigrette, with its bright and citrusy notes, adds a refreshing touch. Dijon vinaigrette, with its creamy and slightly spicy flavor, is another excellent choice.
Pesto
Arugula itself can be used to make pesto. Arugula pesto, with its peppery and slightly bitter flavor, is a delicious alternative to traditional basil pesto. It can be used as a sauce for pasta, as a spread for sandwiches, or as a topping for crostini.
Creamy Dressings
Creamy dressings, such as ranch and blue cheese dressing, can also be paired with arugula, although they should be used sparingly as they can overpower the delicate flavor of the leaves. A light drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing can add a touch of richness to an arugula salad, but too much can mask the peppery flavor.
Creative Arugula Pairings: Thinking Outside the Salad Bowl
Arugula’s versatility extends beyond salads. It can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, adding a unique flavor and texture.
Pizza Topping
Arugula is a popular pizza topping, adding a peppery and refreshing touch to the dish. It’s often added after the pizza is baked, preserving its crispness and flavor. Prosciutto and arugula pizza is a classic combination, but arugula can also be paired with other toppings like roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Arugula adds a peppery bite to sandwiches and wraps, making them more flavorful and interesting. It pairs well with a variety of fillings, including grilled chicken, turkey, ham, and vegetarian options like hummus and avocado.
Eggs
Arugula can be added to scrambled eggs, omelets, and frittatas, adding a touch of peppery flavor and a boost of nutrients. It pairs well with cheese, vegetables, and meats like bacon and sausage.
Soups
Arugula can be added to soups as a garnish or as a main ingredient. It adds a peppery flavor and a boost of nutrients to soups like tomato soup, vegetable soup, and minestrone. It is best added towards the end of cooking to prevent it from wilting too much.
By understanding arugula’s flavor profile and experimenting with different pairings, you can unlock its full potential and create delicious and memorable meals.
What flavors complement arugula’s peppery taste?
Arugula’s distinct peppery bite pairs beautifully with a range of flavors. Sweetness, acidity, and richness provide a wonderful counterpoint, balancing the arugula’s boldness. Consider incorporating ingredients like balsamic vinegar, honey, citrus fruits (especially lemon or grapefruit), creamy cheeses such as goat cheese or burrata, or even a drizzle of maple syrup to create a harmonious and flavorful dish.
Ingredients with complementary textures also enhance the arugula experience. Think of the crunch of toasted nuts, the smooth creaminess of avocado, or the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes. Experimenting with contrasting textures alongside balanced flavors will elevate your arugula dishes to new heights, making them more satisfying and enjoyable to eat.
Can arugula be used in cooked dishes, and if so, what are some good examples?
Absolutely, arugula can be incorporated into various cooked dishes, though it’s best added towards the end of cooking to retain its peppery flavor and prevent it from wilting excessively. Its slight bitterness adds a pleasant complexity to dishes like pasta, pizza, and frittatas. Stirring it into a risotto just before serving provides a fresh, vibrant touch.
Another excellent use for cooked arugula is in sauces or pestos. Blending it with ingredients like garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts creates a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional basil pesto. It can also be wilted gently into soups or stews for a subtle peppery note, adding depth and interest to the overall flavor profile.
What are some good protein pairings for arugula salads?
Arugula salads benefit greatly from the addition of protein, providing a balanced and satisfying meal. Grilled chicken or fish, such as salmon or tuna, offer lean protein options that complement the peppery flavor of arugula. Tofu or tempeh, seasoned with herbs and spices, are excellent vegetarian choices.
For a richer protein option, consider adding crispy prosciutto or pancetta. The salty, savory flavors of these cured meats pair wonderfully with the arugula’s bitterness. Hard-boiled eggs are another classic and affordable protein source that works well in arugula salads, providing both protein and a creamy texture.
What types of cheese work best with arugula?
Arugula’s peppery flavor profile allows it to pair well with a variety of cheeses, each offering a unique complement to its taste. Soft, creamy cheeses like goat cheese, burrata, and fresh mozzarella provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, mellowing the arugula’s bite. Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and tangy element that enhances the overall flavor profile.
For a bolder cheese pairing, consider using shaved parmesan or aged provolone. These hard, flavorful cheeses offer a sharp and savory counterpoint to the arugula’s peppery notes. Blue cheese, with its pungent and creamy texture, can also create a delicious and interesting combination, particularly when paired with sweet ingredients like honey or fruit.
What fruits pair well with arugula in salads?
The slightly bitter and peppery notes of arugula create a delicious contrast with a variety of fruits, adding sweetness, acidity, and vibrant colors to salads. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are excellent choices, their sweetness and tartness balancing the arugula’s bite. Sliced apples or pears provide a crisp and refreshing element.
Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, or mandarins also pair exceptionally well with arugula, adding a burst of acidity and brightness. Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums bring a juicy and sweet flavor that complements the arugula’s peppery undertones. Dried fruits like cranberries or figs can also be used to add sweetness and chewiness to arugula salads.
What types of dressings work best with arugula salads?
The key to a great arugula salad dressing is to complement, not overpower, its peppery flavor. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey is a classic and versatile choice. The sweetness of the honey and the acidity of the balsamic vinegar balance the arugula’s bitterness.
Another excellent option is a lemon vinaigrette, which provides a bright and zesty flavor that complements the arugula beautifully. Creamy dressings like a buttermilk ranch or a blue cheese dressing can also work well, especially when paired with sweeter ingredients like fruits or honey-glazed nuts. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create a dressing that perfectly suits your taste preferences and complements the other ingredients in your salad.
How can I balance the bitterness of arugula if I find it too strong?
If you find arugula too bitter, there are several ways to mellow its flavor. Combining it with sweeter ingredients, such as fruits like berries, citrus segments, or a drizzle of honey, can help to balance the bitterness and create a more harmonious flavor profile. Adding a creamy element, like avocado or a soft cheese, can also help to soften the arugula’s bite.
Another effective method is to massage the arugula with olive oil and lemon juice before adding other ingredients. This helps to break down the leaves and reduce their bitterness. Alternatively, you can mix arugula with other milder greens, such as spinach or lettuce, to dilute its flavor and create a more balanced salad.