5.0 from 3 votes
Arugula Pesto Recipe with Walnuts
Arugula pesto is a flavorful sauce that adds a unique twist to many types of pasta, from spaghetti and tagliatelle to rigatoni and even gnocchi.Unlike the classic basil pesto, arugula pesto has a slightly bitter taste, which comes from the arugula (also known as rocket). However, the bitterness is balanced beautifully by the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts.
Prep Time
7 mins
Cook Time
7 mins
Total Time
9 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 701 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 100 g arugula - 3.5 oz
- 80 g walnuts - ~3 oz, shelled
- 30 g parmigiano reggiano - 3 tablespoons
- 30 g pecorino romano - 3 tablespoons
- 1 garlic clove
- 250 ml olive oil - 1 cup, extra virgin
- 2-3 Ice cubes
Instructions
- Place the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat. Let them toast for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure they don't burn.
- Once toasted, transfer the walnuts to a blender or food processor.
- Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino cheeses to the blender. Also, toss in a peeled garlic clove.
- Pour in half of the olive oil to start. Blend the mixture on high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the arugula salad. To keep the arugula’s vibrant green color, add a couple of ice cubes to the blender.
- Blend everything together on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until the pesto is creamy and smooth. As you blend, slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil.
- Once your arugula pesto is ready, transfer it to a small bowl. This pesto is perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta. When mixing the pesto with pasta, you may need to add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to help the pesto coat the pasta evenly. You can also drizzle in some extra olive oil for a smoother texture.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Serving
100g
Calories
701kcal
(35%)
Carbohydrates
4g
(1%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
74g
(114%)
Saturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
16g
Monounsaturated Fat
45g
Cholesterol
13mg
(4%)
Sodium
219mg
(9%)
Potassium
197mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
687IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
230mg
(23%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 701
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 100g | |
| Calories | 701kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 74g | 114% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16g | 94% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 45g | 225% |
| Cholesterol | 13mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 219mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 197mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 687IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 230mg | 23% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.