Looking for something fresh to jazz up your meals? Let's talk arugula salad.
This leafy green isn't just a garnish; it can totally steal the spotlight on your plate! We've all tossed a salad together and thought, "what else can I throw in here?"
Arugula (Eruca sativa) is peppery and zesty, making it perfect for pairing with a variety of sides.
We've got some winning combinations that will keep things exciting without turning into a kitchen circus. Let's chat about what we can serve alongside arugula for a delicious meal experience!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Arugula Salad
Here are our top picks for side dishes that will go well with your arugula salad:
| Main Course Dish | Main Ingredients | flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken | Chicken, lemon, herbs | Citrusy, savory | Easy | 25 min |
| Balsamic Glazed Salmon | Salmon, balsamic vinegar, honey | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 20 min |
| Spaghetti Carbonara | Spaghetti, eggs, pancetta | Creamy, savory | Medium | 30 min |
| Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts | Chicken, pesto, mozzarella | Herbaceous, cheesy | Medium | 35 min |
| Mediterranean Lamb Chops | Lamb, olives, rosemary | Savory, aromatic | Medium | 40 min |
| Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta | Pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic | Tangy, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| Garlic Shrimp Scampi | Shrimp, garlic, white wine | Garlicky, rich | Medium | 20 min |
| Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin | Pork tenderloin, honey, mustard | Sweet, tangy | Medium | 40 min |
| Mushroom Risotto | Arborio rice, mushrooms, Parmesan | Creamy, earthy | Medium | 40 min |
| Grilled Portobello Mushrooms | Portobello mushrooms, balsamic glaze | Savory, smoky | Easy | 25 min |
| Stuffed Bell Peppers | Bell peppers, ground beef, rice | Hearty, savory | Medium | 45 min |
| Teriyaki Glazed Tofu | Tofu, teriyaki sauce, vegetables | Sweet, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| BBQ Pulled Chicken | Chicken, BBQ sauce, spices | Smoky, tangy | Medium | 45 min |
1 - Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Lemon herb grilled chicken (marinated in lemon juice and Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary) is all about zing and sass! We marinate chicken in fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a mix of our favorite herbs like thyme and rosemary.
This simple dish gives us juicy, flavorful bites. The tangy lemon brightens things up, while herbs add a comforting earthiness.
It's a real treat next to arugula salad. Grilling brings out those smoky flavors and provides a perfect char.
We love serving it with a side of roasted veggies or couscous for a complete meal; for light dessert ideas try lemon pound cake pairing ideas.
2 - Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Let's talk balsamic glazed salmon! This dish has a sweet and tangy flair, rocking your palate every single bite.
We love the rich, buttery taste of salmon drizzled with a decadent balsamic glaze, and similar honey glazed salmon side suggestions work well with peppery salads.
The glaze is simple to whip up (a 3:1 balsamic-to-honey ratio works well). Just balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of mustard blend together.
Trust us, it's totally worth it.
We sprinkle fresh thyme on top for that herby kick. The salmon gets crispy edges while staying moist inside, creating a tasty contrast.
3 - Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara is comfort in a bowl. It's creamy, cheesy, and sports that nostalgic Italian vibe.
We whip it up using spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. The sauce is silky smooth (made by tempering eggs with hot pasta water), resulting in a dish that hugs your palate.
The pancetta brings salty flavor, while the cheese adds a rich kick. Just a few bites and we're feeling good.
We love enjoying it on a cozy night in. Who can resist a classic that feels like a warm hug?
4 - Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Pesto stuffed chicken breasts are as bright as they sound! We use fresh basil (Ocimum basilicum) pesto, cream cheese, and mozzarella for that irresistible creamy texture inside the chicken.
The chicken gets that satisfying, golden crisp on the outside. It turns juicy on the inside as it absorbs all the basil's bright flavour.
Pair it with arugula salad for a refreshing contrast; it's definitely a winner, and for similar mains try spinach stuffed chicken side suggestions.
5 - Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Mediterranean lamb chops are a flavorful treat we can't resist. They combine tender, marinated lamb (often seasoned with oregano, cumin, and lemon) with a mix of bold spices that create a rich taste.
We love the smoky, slightly charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy meat. Each bite bursts with herbs and zest.
Avoid bland proteins when you can enjoy these spicy gems with arugula salad for a well-rounded meal; pair them with Mediterranean sides to brighten meals.
6 - Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Mediterranean lamb chops are our go-to for flavorful dinners. These tender bites burst with garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice (with bright citrus notes from lemon), creating a rich taste.
We love the smoky, charred edges against juicy meat. The spices improve the dish, making it a memorable feast on date nights or casual gatherings.
Each chop is a little piece of heaven; they truly shine next to an arugula salad!
7 - Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Garlic shrimp scampi is a classic dish with a buttery, garlicky sauce (typically finished with white wine and lemon) that drives flavor home.
We're talking juicy shrimp sautéed in olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, served over pasta or with crusty bread.
The combination of garlic and shrimp creates a savory dance on the palate.
We always enjoy this dish while reminiscing about seaside vacations.
The simplicity makes it a go-to for busy nights.
Just a few ingredients and voilà! Dinner's ready in no time.
We can never resist the aroma of garlic wafting through the air, making our mouths water.
Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy dinner for two.
8 - Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Honey mustard glazed pork tenderloin is a combo of sweet and savory bliss. This dish features tender pork pounded with a zesty glaze made of honey, mustard, and garlic (try a 2:1 honey-to-mustard ratio).
We often cook this when we want something simple yet impressive. It's juicy inside with a crispy exterior that keeps us going back for seconds.
Pair it with arugula and roasted veggies for a bright meal. This is perfect for casual gatherings or cozy nights in.
We love the balance between the tangy mustard and sweetness of honey.
9 - Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is pure comfort on a plate. It's creamy, with earthy mushrooms that add depth to every bite.
We make it with Arborio rice (short-grain Italian rice), fresh mushrooms, garlic, onions, and some rich chicken broth.
The process is simple, just a bit of stirring and patience.
We often remember our first risotto attempt-an exciting splash of broth that turned into a creamy masterpiece.
Each mushroom brings a nice umami flavor that goes well with the rich texture.
This dish is perfect alongside an arugula salad. It's a cozy way to improve our meal experience.
10 - Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Grilled portobello mushrooms are a fantastic side dish that brings a rich, meaty flavor to our plates. These mushrooms get a nice char from the grill, improving their earthy goodness.
We love drizzling them with aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil to add a touch of sweetness and depth.
Our recipe involves just a few simple ingredients: large portobello caps, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Toss everything together for a quick marinade!
We often serve them at summer barbecues; they disappear fast off the platter. Consider them an excellent substitution for a meat side.
11 - Stuffed Bell Peppers
We love stuffed bell peppers! These bright little bundles transform simple ingredients into a showstopper on our dinner table.
Sweet peppers cradle a flavorful mix of rice, ground meat, diced tomatoes, and spices (often using long-grain rice or cooked quinoa).
The filling brings a filling and satisfying mix of savory goodness.
Preparation is straightforward: just mix, stuff, and bake.
We often toss in some cheese for that melty goodness, taking them to the next level.
Pairing these beauties with a side salad balances out the meal perfectly!
12 - Teriyaki Glazed Tofu
Teriyaki glazed tofu is our go-to for plant-based meals. It's sweet, salty, and brings a satisfying chew.
We make it using firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water), soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.
The flavors pop as they caramelize during cooking. Whether stir-frying or grilling, it's always a hit at our dinner table.
We love pairing it with steamed rice and veggies for a simple, tasty feast.
13 - BBQ Pulled Chicken
BBQ pulled chicken is a crowd-pleaser and super easy to make. Shredded chicken gets smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that improves every bite (often seasoned with smoked paprika and brown sugar).
We use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook our own, adding a homemade twist to the sauce.
The heavy garlic and smoky notes create a comforting flavor that can be paired with buns or served over rice.
We often whip it up for game days or casual get-togethers, and it never disappoints!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
