Arugula Pesto
Arugula pesto is versatile with a peppery, slightly spicy, robust flavor. Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a veggie dip.
Hey there, pesto lovers! If you’re ready to jazz up your meals with something fresh and vibrant, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you: Arugula Pesto! This sauce is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also super easy to whip up in just a few minutes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be drizzling it on everything!

Why Arugula?
First things first, let’s chat about arugula. This leafy green has a peppery bite that adds a unique twist to the classic pesto flavor. When paired with fresh basil, it creates a taste explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, arugula is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, making this pesto not just delicious but healthy too!
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this zesty sauce:
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup fresh basil
- ½ cup pine nuts (or toasted walnuts for a different flavor)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp water (optional, for thinning)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Chill and Store: Once your pesto is all mixed up, pop it in the fridge! It tastes best when chilled and can be kept for up to a week—if it lasts that long!
Toast the Nuts: Start by lightly toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. This little step brings out their nutty flavor. But watch them closely—those little guys can go from golden to burnt in the blink of an eye!
Blend It Up: In a food processor, combine the arugula, basil, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, and a generous sprinkle of black pepper. Pulse everything together until it’s finely chopped.
Add Olive Oil: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Keep blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, just add a bit of water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.
How to Use Arugula Pesto
Now that you’ve got this amazing arugula pesto ready to go, let’s talk about how to use it. You can toss it with pasta for a quick weeknight dinner, spread it on sandwiches for a flavor boost, or use it as a dipping sauce for veggies and crackers. The possibilities are endless! Try it on my Burrata Steak Tacos.
This arugula pesto is not just a sauce; it’s a way to elevate your meals with fresh, bold flavors. So next time you’re looking for something quick and delicious, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
More Pesto Variations
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Arugula Pesto
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup fresh basil
- ½ cup pine nuts (or toasted walnuts)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Lightly toast ½ cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. This brings out their flavor. Keep an eye on them—they can go from toasty to burnt pretty quickly!
- Place 2 cups arugula, 1 cup fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 small garlic clove, ¼ tsp sea salt and freshly ground black pepper into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- While the processor is running, slowly pour in ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you like a thinner pesto, add some water a little bit at a time.
- Chill in the fridge and use within 1 week.