Arugula-Walnut Pesto

Known in Italian cuisine as 'Pesto di Rucola', this variation of the classic Genovese pesto substitutes peppery arugula for basil, creating a bold, slightly spicy twist on tradition. A staple in Liguria, northern Italy, arugula brings a refreshing sharpness to the velvety texture of olive oil and parmesan, while walnuts add earthiness and depth. Perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or spreading onto crusty bread, this pesto embodies Mediterranean flavors with a modern sensibility. The combination of rich umami from the cheese and the vibrant freshness of arugula makes it an excellent companion for simple yet elegant dishes. Whether enjoyed freshly prepared or stored for later use, this pesto recipe showcases the beauty of versatile, homemade condiments that elevate everyday meals.

Time to complete

Prep

10min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

0 minutes

Total

10min

Ingredients (Makes about 1 ½ cups (360 ml))
  • 2 cups (60g) packed fresh arugula leaves, rinsed and dried
  • ¼ cup (30g) roughly chopped walnuts
  • 4 medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 29.5
  • Protein: 8.4
  • Carbohydrates: 5.2
  • Fiber: 1.8
Directions

Prepare Ingredients

  • 1. Place arugula, walnuts, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor.

Process Base Ingredients

  • 2. Pulse until finely chopped, about five 1-second pulses, scraping down sides as needed.

Emulsify the Mixture

  • 3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth, scraping down as necessary.

Incorporate Cheese and Citrus

  • 4. Add Parmesan and lemon juice, pulsing briefly to combine.

Season and Store

  • 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to six months.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • Use a mortar and pestle for a rustic, hand-crafted texture.

Alternative Proteins

  • Mix in ricotta for a creamy pesto variation ideal for spreading.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a richer umami depth.

Different Ingredients

  • Swap walnuts with almonds or pine nuts for varied nuttiness.

Enhance Flavor

  • Toast the walnuts briefly for a deeper nutty taste.

Healthier Twist

  • Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Add basil in summer for a milder herbal blend.

Storage Best Practices

  • Freeze in ice cube trays for portioned, easy-to-thaw servings.

Texture Control

  • For a chunkier pesto, pulse less; for a smoother consistency, blend longer.