Rocket, also called arugula, gives this pesto a peppery edge. Walnuts round out the bitterness, and lemon juice adds a little freshness. Because the leaves are more assertive than basil, use the pesto as a seasoning and loosen it generously when tossing through pasta.
Arugula Pesto
Peppery rocket with walnuts, Parmesan, and lemon
Tender rocket and walnuts make a peppery pesto that benefits from pasta water when tossed with noodles.
TypeSauces
Prep15 minutes
Cook0 minutes
Rest0 minutes
Total15 minutes
YieldAbout 240 g
Servings6
ServingAbout 40 g
DifficultyEasy
CuisineContemporary Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Batch
Instructions
Serving Ideas
- Toss with pasta and white beans, or spread thinly under roasted mushrooms on toast.
Substitutions
- Use almonds for a less bitter nut flavour. Pecorino makes a saltier, sharper variation.
Chef Tips
- Taste the rocket before blending. Mature, very bitter leaves may overwhelm the pesto; tender leaves make a gentler batch.
Storage
Keep covered in the refrigerator at 4°C or below and use within 3 days. Never store fresh garlic pesto at room temperature.
Allergen Notes
Contains walnuts and milk.