This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Take your greens to the next level with this sautéed arugula. This is a zingy, buttery side dish that will enhance any dish it’s served with.
I believe that, if cooked right, anyone can be convinced to love greens, and this sauteed arugula is the perfect example of that. It takes all the zingy, zesty flavor of fresh arugula and adds some butter and seasoning to create the best flavor.
Sauteeing is a great way to cook vegetables quickly while adding a lot of flavors to create a really memorable side dish. Another green that is great to saute is spinach, but I also love whipping up some sauteed carrots or broccolini.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
Most of the time, you will find arugula served fresh in a salad, but that’s not the only way to enjoy it. This recipe is the ideal way to experience arugula in a new and delicious way.
- It’s fast. If you want a side dish that takes very little effort but packs a punch when it comes to flavor, this is the perfect dish! It takes just 3 minutes and barely any prep to get this dish on the table.
- Healthy. Adding greens to your meal is key to a healthy diet. This arugula dish is packed full of antioxidants and green goodness to nourish your body and treat your taste buds.
- Gluten-free, vegetarian, and low carb. Since this recipe has just a handful of ingredients, it has no gluten or carbs. Why not pair it with some keto chicken parmesan or a chicken tenders for a hearty low carb dinner?
The beauty of this recipe is that it takes just a few simple ingredients to achieve an excellent side dish. You only need the arugula, seasoning, and something to cook it in!
Can you saute arugula?
This is a super fast 3-minute recipe that makes for a great last-minute side that has a lot of nutritional value. All it takes is just two basic steps to have this delicious and nutritious dish on the table and ready to eat.
- Arugula- This leafy herb is usually enjoyed fresh in a salad, but this recipe gives you a new way to enjoy it that is a bit more interesting. It has a zingy distinctive flavor that is super tasty when sauteed.
Recipe addition idea
This recipe works for a lot of leafy herbs. Next time why not try it with some fresh basil?
- Butter and oil- It may seem unusual to use both oil and butter, but there is a good reason behind this choice. The oil will help saute the arugula and prevent the butter from overheating and burning. The butter will add some flavor and a silky texture to the final dish.
- Garlic and seasonings- Greens and garlic go so well together! Arugula has such a distinctive flavor that all it needs is your trusty garlic and simple salt and pepper to make it sing!
Step 1- Prep the skillet
Place the oil and butter in the pan and heat on medium-high until hot.
Step 2- Saute the arugula
First, add the minced garlic to the pan and fry for a minute until fragrant. Add the arugula, salt, and pepper and saute for three minutes or until just wilted.
Step 3- Serve
Serve alongside your chosen main with some lemon wedges.
Tips and Tricks
- Add some lemon- If you want to add a new flavor profile, then don’t be shy to add a squeeze of lemon. Arugula, garlic, butter, and lemon are a match made in heaven!
- Don’t saute for too long- Be careful to only saute until the arugula is wilted. Cooking it longer will cause it to lose its bright green color as well as become mushy.
- Change out the greens- This recipe works really well for a variety of greens. Why not try it out with basil, spinach, collard greens, kale, or swiss chard?
- Garnish with some crunch- If you want some extra flavor and texture, then I suggest garnishing it with a little something crunchy. You can simply sprinkle on some sesame seeds or, my favorite option, add some toasted pine nuts to finish it off.
- Add some meat- This is a great vegetarian option, but it also works really well with meat. To add some protein, I suggest tossing in some diced crispy bacon or ham.
- Add some ginger- Garlic is a great aromatic for this dish, but ginger works really well, too, if you want some extra flavor dimension. We love doing this with sauteed eggplant and asparagus, too.
Storage Instructions
To store: This dish stores very well, so none of it will go to waste. All you need to do is pop it in the fridge in an airtight container and use it within three days.
To reheat: The easiest way to heat this arugula is in the microwave. However, you can also pop it back in the skillet with a tiny bit of butter and reheat it that way.
If you are vegan, you can make this recipe using vegan butter, and it will still be just as delicious.
Yes, arugula is packed full of antioxidants, so it is a great healthy side dish to add to any meal.
In some cases, like this recipe, spinach and arugula are interchangeable. You can cook both of these leafy greens the same way, and they will be equally delicious.
Wash the arugula thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove any large stems and tear any of the larger leaves into smaller pieces.
Use a non-stick or stainless steel pan for sautéing vegetables. Avoid using cast iron or aluminum pans, which can react with the acids in the arugula and give it a metallic taste.
Serving suggestions
If you need to add some greens to a meal, then this recipe is the perfect way to do it. It’s so fast, tasty, and nutritious that it works with so many different dishes. Try serving this sauteed arugula alongside these mains:
Beef
Tomahawk Steak
Chicken Recipes
Baked Chicken Breast
Chicken Recipes
Chicken Parmigiana
Seafood
Grilled Swordfish
Sautéed arugula
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the butter and olive oil to a large non-stick skillet or pan.
- Once hot, add the garlic, then the arugula, salt, and pepper, and saute for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
