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Home » Side Dish Recipes » Easy Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppers

Easy Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppers

Published: Dec 4, 2023 · Modified: Feb 4, 2024 by Cooking Chat · This post may contain affiliate links

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Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppers and plenty of garlic is a tasty and easy side dish. You can have this easy and healthy recipe ready in just 15 minutes! Delicious with chicken, fish or burgers. Disclosure: Some of the wine suggested here was provided as a complimentary sample.

arugula sautéed with red peppers and served on a white plate.
Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe work
  • Tips for making this recipe
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  • What to serve with this dish
  • More arugula recipes
  • Wine pairing
  • Recipe card

What makes this recipe work

Let’s talk about what makes this healthy side dish a winner!

Baby arugula is so handy to have in the fridge. It’s great in salads, and sauteed arugula can be a nice addition to a pasta dish. Arugula can also be the star of a simple side dish, as in today’s Sautéed Arugula with Bell Peppers recipe.

I tend to put most of my cooking energy into the main course, and sometimes the side dish is a bit of an after thought. I gravitate toward the same salads and simple sides.

But it can be a nice addition to give more attention to that side dish, to round out a special dinner, or spruce up a simple entree. Today’s sautéed arugula is one simple side with a lot of flavor that you can try if you haven’t already cooked up something like this in your kitchen.

Tips for making this recipe

I like to cut the red bell pepper for this recipe into long, thin slices. Sauté the pepper in a large skillet or sauté pan until it starts getting nice and soft with a bit of brown, quickly add the garlic before stirring in the arugula.

The recipe calls for baby arugula, as I tend to have it on hand a lot. But you could definitely use one bunch of fully grown arugula if you like. You still cook that until it starts to wilt, just might take another minute or two.

sautéed arugula with red bell peppers

You can use a yellow or orange bell pepper instead of red if you like. I wouldn’t suggest using a green bell pepper.

You can add to the flavor with a sprinkling of hot red pepper flakes if you like.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What does cooked arugula taste like?

Arugula has a peppery flavor profile, making it a welcomed addition to salads and other dishes. Arugula retains the peppery flavor when cooked, although it does get slightly milder. In this recipe, the peppery flavor combines with the garlic and sweet tasting sautéed peppers for a nice variety of tastes.

What happens when you cook arugula?

Like most greens, arugula cooks down a lot when you cook it. The 4 cups of loosely packed arugula quickly cooks down to 2 modest side dish servings.

Is arugula healthy?

Arugula is a very healthy leafy green vegetable. Arugula is nutrient dense, high in fiber and antioxidants.

Is arugula the same thing as “rocket”?

Yes, arugula is the same vegetable as rocket. The term arugula is used more in the US, I have come across the term rocket more in Europeans sites.

Can I use pre-packed arugula?

Yes, you can use pre-packed baby arugula for this recipe. That is what I often used for this sauteed arugula recipe. If the package indicates the greens have been pre-washed, there is no need to rinse the arugula before using. Just throw the greens in the pan when you are ready for that step!

What to serve with this dish

burger plated with sautéed red peppers and greents.

This Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppers makes a nice side dish for chicken or fish; perhaps along with some couscous to round out the meal. We also enjoyed it with burgers recently. Here are a couple of recipes that this arugula would complement:

  • Baked Haddock with Pasta
  • Easy Olive and Avocado Chicken
  • Chicken Mushroom Bowtie Pasta
  • Pan Seared Mahi Mahi with Orange Soy Marinade
  • Bottom Round Roast with Mushrooms

More arugula recipes

If you are looking for more arugula recipes, I have you covered! Try some of these ways to use this healthy green.

  • Burgers with Garlicky Arugula for #SundaySupper
    Grilled Burgers with Garlicky Arugula
  • arugula salad with maple vinaigrette
    Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
  • penne with arugula, garlic and beans
    Penne with Arugula, Garlic and Beans
  • Arugula Steak Salad with Farro

And for another sautéed veggies dish, try our Sautéed Radicchio or maybe this Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms! You might also like this Swiss Chard Potatoes recipe.

Wine pairing

Typically I am more focused on the entrée than the side dish when coming up with the wine pairing for a meal. But this arugula recipe does bring a lot of flavor to the table, so does become a factor for picking the wine.

A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling can cleanse the palate nicely, and could work here. Italian white wines could be a great choice here, such as the Cococciola we served with the baked haddock.

When making this recipe again recently, I was serving the arugula alongside veggie burgers and some rosemary fries. So a red wine came to mind.

cooked arugula and red peppers on a white plate with a burger, served with a red wine.
Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon with sautéed arugula and peppers

I intended to open a Zinfandel, but after popping the cork noticed I had actually opened a Cab from Pedroncelli. My first association with this producer is their good Zinfandels, thus my confusion. A happy accident!

The 2017 Pedroncelli Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($28, 14.4% ABV) from Dry Creek Valley worked nicely with our burgers and side of arugula. Violets on the nose, cherry, camphor and rosemary on the palate (good with the fries!). Notes of graphite, and supple tannins. A pleasant Cab to sip and food friendly.

Print

Recipe card

Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppers

arugula sautéed with red peppers and served on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 13 reviews

Arugula sautéed with red bell peppers and garlic makes an easy and tasty side dish.

  • Author: Cooking Chat
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cups loosely pack baby arugula (about 2 to 3 ounces)
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • salt to taste
  • pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Start the peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red bell peppers, sauté for 7 to 10 minutes, until they begin to soften and turn brown.
  2. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for another minute.
  3. Stir in arugula: Gradually stir in the arugula, and cook until the arugula begins to wilt, about 3 minutes. Add salt to taste and pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the balsamic vinegar if using.
  4. Serve immediately, or cover and keep warm on very low heat until the rest of the meal is ready.

Notes

  • Read the arugula packaging to determine if it has already been washed or not. A lot of the bigger brands at grocery stores come pre-washed; but lately we’ve been getting arugula from local farms that need washing before using. 
  • We have two arugula eaters here so this quantity is perfect for us. But you could easily use a whole 4 oz container to make enough for 3 or 4 people. 

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @CookingChatWine on Instagram and hashtag it #CookingChat

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sautéed arugula with red bell peppers on a white plate.
cooked arugula with red bell peppers served on a white plate.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle

    August 24, 2020 at 5:37 am

    Just made this because I’m not a big fan of arugula yet I incorporate it into my diet. The balsamic vinegar added that acidity and flavor that was much needed. I really may use this recipe going forward, thanks to you!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      August 24, 2020 at 5:52 am

      Glad you liked it, Michelle! A bit of balsamic adds a nice flavor!

      Reply
  2. Allyssa

    April 07, 2021 at 6:53 am

    looks very yummy! Would love to try it soon! Thanks for this recipe! it’s very helpful! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      April 07, 2021 at 7:44 am

      Thanks Allyssa!

      Reply
  3. Lauren Vavala

    April 07, 2021 at 7:34 am

    I rarely make arugula cooked. This sounds delicious and is a great idea for a side dish that’s not the same old thing. Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      April 07, 2021 at 7:44 am

      Thanks Lauren! I do like arugula raw in salads & wraps, too, but cooking it is a nice option!

      Reply
      • Eydie

        March 04, 2022 at 6:08 am

        What a nice change! I loved this recipe and will make it again!

        Reply
        • Cooking Chat

          March 04, 2022 at 6:55 am

          Glad you liked it, thanks for the feedback!

          Reply
  4. Claudia Lamascolo

    April 07, 2021 at 7:54 am

    The flavors are fabulous I would eat this everyday its so good except for one thing, I would make 3 times that sized plate its so yummy~!!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      April 07, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      That’s the spirit Claudia!

      Reply
  5. Lauren

    April 07, 2021 at 8:07 am

    Arugula is my all time favourite green! I can’t wait to add this healthy side to our summer rotation!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      April 07, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      We love arugula here! Especially the version we’ve been getting from a local farm lately.

      Reply
  6. Katherine

    April 07, 2021 at 8:12 am

    I only ever have arugula raw, so I’m excited to try it cooked in this dish!

    Reply
  7. Nancy Frohling

    June 23, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    Delicious recipe. Added chicken and stir fry sauce. Has a beautiful color appeal

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      June 24, 2021 at 6:17 am

      Glad you liked it! I could definitely see adding chicken to make it a complete meal.

      Reply
  8. Sandra

    August 15, 2021 at 4:54 pm

    Yummy! I added this dish to a little pasta with a bit more olive oil and it made a great dish. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      August 17, 2021 at 6:07 am

      That sounds tasty, Sandra! Good idea!

      Reply
  9. Holly

    February 05, 2022 at 7:34 pm

    I know this has nothing to do with arugula but if you were to make mashed cauliflower I mean what could you add to it to add more taste?

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      February 06, 2022 at 7:27 am

      Roasted garlic is the first thing that comes to mind! Alternatively a roasted garlic olive oil or other such flavored olive oil. And/or various spice blends. We make a roasted cauliflower with garam masala, an Indian spice blend. That flavor combo works well. https://cookingchatfood.com/indian-roasted-cauliflower/

      Reply
  10. Lindsay Parks

    September 11, 2022 at 6:55 pm

    Love this recipe! I used a mix of arugula, baby kale and baby spinach because it’s what I had. I plan to make again this week, but also hope to use up a yellow summer squash and a zucchini….seems like I cook slice and sauté before adding the greens. Hope it turns out!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      September 12, 2022 at 5:40 am

      Glad you like it, Lindsay. Yes, I would think that’d be a good idea, to add the squash a few minutes before the greens. I would suggest slicing it pretty thinly.

      Reply
  11. Doreen Glavac

    October 09, 2022 at 5:49 pm

    Yummy!!!

    Reply
  12. TLM

    October 13, 2022 at 3:24 pm

    Loved the easy recipe… it was really delicious

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      October 13, 2022 at 8:18 pm

      Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  13. tracey

    December 01, 2022 at 1:23 pm

    I just finished this for my lunch. This was a very nice to change to the norm. I did add some tomatoes and red pepper flakes. This is a keeper Thank you for the recipe. I truly enjoyed this dish and its so versatile.

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      December 03, 2022 at 4:54 am

      That sounds like a nice healthy lunch! Thanks for the notes on your additions.

      Reply
  14. Karla

    April 13, 2024 at 8:31 pm

    Can this be stored like with a meal prep meal? If so, for how long?

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      April 14, 2024 at 5:42 am

      Hi Karla – I do like this best right after cooking it. That said, you could cook this ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a bit of extra olive oil.

      Reply
      • Dena

        May 05, 2024 at 6:38 pm

        Had for dinner tonite and loved it, thanks

        Reply
        • Cooking Chat

          May 06, 2024 at 4:39 pm

          Glad you enjoyed, thanks for the feedback!

          Reply
  15. Ellen

    October 07, 2024 at 8:23 am

    It was tasty but not as pretty as pictured- I think I overly wilted the arugula. I did use a splash of really good balsamic as well as a little fresh lemon juice. It was very nice and a side dish I’ll make again, maybe with spinach next time.

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      October 12, 2024 at 1:54 pm

      Ah, yes, it is easy to cook the greens down quickly. Probably keeps the taste, maybe not the aesthetics. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply

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Hi there! I'm David. I love creating tasty, (mostly) healthy recipes, finding great wine pairings, and sharing good food with family and friends. learn more about me!

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