If you have been following me on social media or this website, you know I love creste dishes that are not only delicious, but also straightforward, only use a handful of ingredients and budget friendly. This arugula pesto recipe exemplifies how you can create a vibrant and flavorful sauce with minimal ingredients. Perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes, this pesto offers a bright green color and a peppery kick that’s sure to impress.
My easy budget-friendly pesto is a delightful blend of vibrant arugula and sunflower seeds, providing a delicious alternative to the traditional basil and pine nut combination that can often break the bank.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Arugula Pesto
- How to Make Arugula Pesto
- Why This Pesto Recipe Works
- Variations and Additions To Try
- Arugula Pesto Serving Suggestions
- How to Store Arugula Pesto
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Ingredients for Arugula Pesto
To make a delicious arugula pesto, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh arugula leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Arugula Pesto
Step 1 – Prepare Ingredients: Ensure the arugula is washed and dried. Grate the Parmesan cheese and finely chop the garlic.
Step 2 – Toast the Seeds: Toast the sunflower seeds or pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, enhancing their flavor.
Step 3 – Blend: In a food processor, combine the arugula, toasted seeds, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse to blend.
Step 4 – Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, gradually add the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Step 5 – Season: Adjust seasoning with ground black pepper and more salt if needed.
Why This Pesto Recipe Works
This has become my go-to pesto recipe and I can assure you that this arugula pesto is not only easy, but also delivers a rich, complex flavor. The use of both raw and toasted ingredients creates a balanced taste, while the lemon juice adds a fresh brightness. This recipe is a perfect example of recipes that I love to create. I love dishes that are both practical and delightful.
Variations and Additions To Try
- Red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the pesto.
- Lemon zest: In addition to lemon juice, you can also add some grated lemon zest for extra citrusy flavor.
- Additional herbs: If desired, you can mix in a small amount of other fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor complexity.
- Other Seeds: You can also experiment with other nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds and almonds.
You might also love this Easy Oregano Pesto
Arugula Pesto Serving Suggestions
I can assure you that arugula pesto is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes. Here are my favourite ways how to incorporate arugula pesto into my meals:
Pasta Sauce
Transform your pasta into a gourmet delight by tossing it with arugula pesto. The peppery and nutty flavors of the pesto complement various pasta shapes beautifully. Enhance the dish with cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or sautéed vegetables. For an extra layer of flavor, try mixing some pesto into your marinara sauce. I even enjoy adding it to my Pesto Mac & Cheese recipe for a decadent twist!
Pizza Topping
Use arugula pesto as a unique pizza base instead of traditional tomato sauce. Spread a generous amount on your pizza crust, then top with mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and other favorite toppings. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted for a delightful and flavorful pizza.
Sandwich Spread
Elevate your sandwiches and wraps with arugula pesto as a spread. It adds a burst of flavor to fillings like grilled vegetables, roasted turkey, chicken, or even a classic Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
Bruschetta or Crostini
For a vibrant appetizer or snack, spread arugula pesto on toasted bread slices and top with fresh tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, or a slice of prosciutto. This combination offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Salad Dressing
Create a zesty salad dressing by combining arugula pesto with extra lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey. Drizzle it over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or a pasta salad for an extra punch of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Toss roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or zucchini with arugula pesto after they come out of the oven. The pesto adds a delicious coating and enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables. You must try these crispy potatoes tossed in pesto for an irresistible side dish.
Grilled Meats and Seafood
Use arugula pesto as a marinade or finishing sauce for grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood like shrimp or salmon, adding a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Dip or Spread
Serve arugula pesto as a dip with breadsticks, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a tasty and vibrant appetizer. It’s a great way to introduce a burst of flavor to your gatherings.
How to Store Arugula Pesto
Storage: Store your arugula pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cover with a thin layer of olive oil to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag for easy portioning. This pesto recipe can stored in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pesto?
Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful Italian sauce from Liguria, made by blending fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil. This smooth and aromatic sauce is celebrated for its bright green color, herbaceous aroma, and rich, savory taste. Versatile and delicious, pesto can be used as a pasta sauce, spread, dip, or condiment, enhancing a variety of dishes with its fresh and harmonious flavors, capturing the essence of Italian cuisine.
The Difference Between Basil and Arugula Pesto
Basil pesto and arugula pesto differ in flavor, aroma, color, and texture:
Flavor: Basil pesto has a sweet, herbaceous taste with hints of mint and cloves. Arugula pesto, however, is more assertive with a peppery, nutty, and slightly bitter flavor.
Aroma: Basil pesto is known for its strong, aromatic scent with floral and herbal notes. Arugula pesto has a pungent, earthy aroma reminiscent of peppery greens and nuttiness.
Color: Basil pesto is typically bright green, while arugula pesto tends to be a darker green, influenced by the deeper hues of arugula leaves.
Texture: Both have a smooth and creamy texture, but arugula pesto may be slightly coarser due to the fibrous nature of arugula leaves.
The choice between the two depends on personal taste and the desired flavor profile for your dish, with each offering unique ways to enhance your culinary creations.
Does Arugula Pesto Turn Brown?
Arugula pesto, similar to other pesto sauces, can turn brown due to oxidation. However, you can take steps to preserve its vibrant green color and maintain its freshness:
Blanch the Arugula: Blanching arugula in boiling water for a few seconds before transferring it to an ice bath helps preserve the green color by halting the cooking process and reducing enzyme activity that causes browning.
Quick Blending: Blend the ingredients quickly to minimize air exposure. Overprocessing can introduce more air, accelerating oxidation and browning.
Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps maintain the bright green color by slowing down the oxidation process. The acidity in lemon juice acts as a natural preservative.
By implementing these techniques, you can enjoy a fresh and visually appealing arugula pesto for a longer period.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a flavorful topping for grilled meats or roasted vegetables, this arugula and sunflower seed pesto is sure to impress. So go ahead, indulge in this affordable and delicious pesto, and let your taste buds rejoice without straining your budget!
Arugula and Sunflower Seed Pesto
Introducing a budget-friendly pesto recipe that brings a delightful twist to the classic version. This recipe swaps out traditional basil for fresh and peppery arugula, and replaces expensive pine nuts with affordable sunflower seeds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed arugula
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ensure the arugula is washed and dried. Grate the Parmesan cheese and finely chop the garlic.
- Toast the sunflower seeds or pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, enhancing their flavor.
- In a food processor, combine the arugula, toasted seeds, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse to blend.
- With the food processor running, gradually add the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Adjust seasoning with ground black pepper and more salt if needed.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
