A small handful of leafy greens can change a dish from ordinary to memorable. Arugula and kale bring bold, complementary flavors—peppery bite from arugula and hearty, earthy notes from kale—along with satisfying texture and a nutritional boost. They work equally well in light salads, comforting soups, vibrant grain bowls, and even on pizza, helping you add more greens to everyday meals without fuss.
Below are 19 approachable recipes that showcase arugula and kale in a variety of preparations. Each selection emphasizes flavor, simple techniques, and accessible ingredients so you can enjoy greens more often, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.
Broccoli Kale Salad With Cranberries
A vibrant superfood bowl: tender kale mixed with crunchy broccoli slaw, sweet-tart cranberries, crisp apple, and pepitas, finished with a bright citrus-sweet dressing. It’s easy to make ahead and holds up well for lunches.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Kale Salad With Cranberries
Arugula And Spinach Salad
Sweet strawberries, peppery arugula, and tender spinach combine with salty feta for a balanced, colorful salad that comes together in minutes—ideal as a side or a light main.
Get the Recipe: Arugula And Spinach Salad
Massaged Kale
If raw kale feels too tough, massaging it with a touch of olive oil and acid softens the leaves and mellows the flavor, turning kale into a silky, salad-ready green that pairs with many dressings and toppings.
Get the Recipe: Massaged Kale
Veggie Burger
A satisfying chickpea-based veggie burger that skips meat, nuts, and grains but keeps hearty texture and savory flavor—perfect topped with greens like arugula for a peppery finish.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger
Quinoa Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese
Nutty quinoa tossed with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and a lemon-Dijon vinaigrette creates a textured, flavorful salad that works as a side or a filling lunch.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese
Chicken And Chickpea Salad
Seasoned chicken and crispy chickpeas sit atop chopped kale and are dressed in a bright lemon-tahini dressing—an easy, protein-rich salad that’s both fresh and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Chickpea Salad
Prosciutto Arugula Pizza
A white pizza topped with creamy ricotta, salty prosciutto, fresh arugula, and a hint of lemon zest for brightness—an elegant, simple choice for pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Pizza
Cream Of Kale Soup
Rich, creamy, and savory, this simple seven-ingredient cream of kale soup is a cozy way to enjoy kale any time of year—easy to blend smooth or leave slightly chunky.
Get the Recipe: Cream Of Kale Soup
Mediterranean Arugula Quinoa Salad
Kalamata olives, feta, chickpeas, and arugula mingle with quinoa in a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette for a Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s bright, savory, and protein-packed.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Arugula Quinoa Salad
Couscous Kale Salad
Israeli couscous and kale combine with chickpeas and a tahini-harissa dressing for a flavorful, vegan-friendly salad that balances chew, crunch, and a touch of heat.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Kale Salad
Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
A sweet-and-savory grilled cheese that pairs sharp cheddar with crisp apple slices for contrast—serve alongside a handful of peppery arugula to brighten each bite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Sausage Kale Soup
Hearty and aromatic, this pressure-cooker soup pairs sweet potatoes and savory sausage with tender kale for a comforting bowl that’s perfect with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sweet Potato Sausage Kale Soup
Arugula And Spinach Salad
Another take on the arugula and spinach pairing—this version highlights bright dressings and crisp add-ins for a versatile salad that complements many mains.
Get the Recipe: Arugula And Spinach Salad
Garlicky Kale
A creamy, garlicky side of sautéed kale that’s vegan and allergen-friendly—full of flavor and simple enough to pair with a wide range of entrees.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Kale
Trofie with Rocket (Arugula) Pesto
An easy arugula (rocket) pesto that delivers bold, peppery flavor—pair it with trofie or any pasta for a quick, herb-forward dinner; it also works as a spread or dip.
Get the Recipe: Trofie with Rocket (Arugula) Pesto
White Bean Kale Soup With Vegan Sausage
A hearty, comforting soup that combines white beans, hearty kale, and vegan sausage for depth and protein—ideal for cool evenings and easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Kale Soup With Vegan Sausage
Cavatelli Pasta with Rocket
A traditional dish from Puglia that pairs cavatelli (or orecchiette) with rocket for a simple, savory pasta—perfect when you want a quick, rustic Italian meal focused on fresh greens.
Get the Recipe: Cavatelli Pasta with Rocket
Sauteed Kale And Mushrooms
Quick and flavorful, this sautéed kale with mushrooms uses just a few ingredients to create a meaty, savory side that’s ready in about 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Kale And Mushrooms
Pear and Rocket Salad
Caramelized pears, toasted walnuts, parmesan, and peppery rocket come together for an elegant salad that balances sweet, crunchy, salty, and bitter notes in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pear and Rocket Salad
These arugula and kale recipes show how easy it is to incorporate leafy greens into more meals—from light, refreshing salads to warming soups and hearty mains. Save this collection to inspire flavorful, nourishing dishes you’ll want to make again and again.