Lemon Arugula Pesto

Did you know that pesto isn’t just made with basil? Prepare to be wowed by this peppery, slightly tart pesto recipe which features arugula. With a bright squeeze of lemon and some richly nutty almonds, this arugula pesto recipe will quickly become a fav.

One of the yummiest non-basil sauces you can make is this lemony arugula pesto recipe. People seem to have strong feelings about arugula: love or hate. Which side do you fall on? I love arugula, particularly on a salad or a burger. Yet it doesn’t have a place in a smoothie for me—I tried once and never again. In this arugula pesto recipe though, it provides a bright, bite which makes it a great sauce.

Table of Contents

1. What is Arugula?
2. How to Make Arugula Pesto
3. Recipes with Arugula Pesto
4. Lemon Arugula Pesto Recipe

What is Arugula?

Arugula, also known as rocket, rucola, roquette, and eruca, to name a few, is a member of the Brassicae family, and is a cousin to kale, cabbage, and radishes. The peppery flavor is attributed to the presence of glucosinolate. Glucosinolate may help prevent some types of cancer.

Arugula originated in the Mediterranean, where it remains a popular salad vegetable. Baby arugula is less peppery or pungent because it is harvested while it is still young. Wild versions, though usually harvested when young also, may pack more of a peppery punch.

The larger the leaves grow, the spicier and stronger the flavor becomes. It also intensifies as spring progresses into summer. If you are a newbie to this leafy vegetable, then go for the young bunch first, working your way up to the stronger tasting, more mature leaves.

For the biggest nutritional bang for your buck, try to eat arugula raw, such as in a salad or in this arugula pesto. It contains all kinds of vitamins and minerals from vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate, to iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

How to Make Arugula Pesto

Making pesto is easy and quick.

1. I start with pre-washed bagged arugula. If you’re using loose arugula, then be sure to give it a good wash and spin it dry in a salad spinner.
2. Chop the nuts and garlic so there aren’t large chunks of either in the pesto.
3. Using a food processor or blender makes things very easy. You can also make pesto by hand using a mortar and pestle.
4. Add the oil last, through the feed hold, in a slow steady drizzle so that it is incorporated. If the pesto separates, give it another whirl and it should come together again.

What makes this pesto vegan?

My arugula pesto recipe is 100% vegan, meaning no animal products are included in the ingredient list. Most traditional pesto recipes call for some kind of hard, aged cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. Vegan arugula pesto relies on lemon zest and juice and almonds to add extra flavor and richness, respectively. Even if dairy doesn’t bother you, try this recipe out and see how it compares to your dairy-filled versions. I was pleasantly surprised how well it passed the taste test!

Recipes with Arugula Pesto

Try using arugula pesto in any of these recipes to brighten them up and add more protein and tasty flavors:

• Minestrone Soup
• Savory Plant-Based Pizza
• Veggie Bowl
• Blended Gazpacho
• Mediterranean-inspired Spaghetti Squash

More pesto recipes

If arugula just isn’t your thing, or you are a pesto lover, here are some other great, vegan pesto recipes:

• Spicy cilantro pesto
• Basil pesto
• Sun-dried tomato pesto
• Pistachio pesto

This arugula pesto might be a new concept for you, and I encourage you to dive in and try it! Even if arugula isn’t your green of choice, you might just fall in love with this recipe. Once you make it, don’t forget to rate and review it below. I’d love to know what you think!