What to Do With Leftover Arugula

When you need to add some freshness as well as a peppery bite to your dishes, nothing beats arugula. But when it becomes too abundant in your garden or it’s overflowing in your vegetable crisper, it’s time to find a few different ways to cook with this excess, lest it ends up in the compost bin. Here are a few ways to incorporate arugula in various recipes, down to the last leaf!

1. Use as a topping

If your arugula is still crisp, add it to salads or use it as a fresh topping in a sandwich or hot dog. And as a final touch on a carpaccio or pizza, it’ll look pretty and taste delicious.

pizzas

Bayonne Ham and Arugula Grilled Pizza

2. Make a pesto

If you have an abundance of arugula, you can add it to any pesto recipe to make up for a lack of ingredients. It’ll also keep well given the fact that it can be frozen. You can then add it to a burger or pasta dish.

lamb

Lamb Burgers with Arugula Pesto and Roasted Onion

3. Use as an aromatic

When arugula begins to wilt, it can become a unique seasoning for many dishes when cooked down, much like you would with spinach. Even when heated, it’ll retain its peppery taste. It can enhance sauce, soups, and even braised dishes.

SOUPS AND BROTHS

Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Arugula and Almonds

4. Makes a great stuffing

For a dinner that’s simple (and free of food waste!), simply grab the remaining arugula that’s been sitting patiently in the fridge. With its peppery kick, this green is ideal for enhancing the mild flavour of chicken.

chicken

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Arugula and Parmesan

For more ideas on how to use leftovers of other ingredients, be sure to consult our wide selection of zero waste articles: