Arugula and lemon pesto is a flavor-rich sauce, very easy to make and perfect as an alternative to classic basil pesto. Ideal for dressing any type of pasta, either hot or cold.
Contrary to what you might think, it has a slightly bitter taste, which is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of almonds and the savory taste of parmesan.
Arugula, moreover, is full of beneficial properties. It is rich in vitamins (C, A, K, folic acid), minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, arugula stimulates digestion and has draining and diuretic effects.
So, if you love it as much as I do, you absolutely have to try this arugula and lemon pesto, and I’m sure it will accompany many of your recipes. Try it, for example, to dress a cold pasta dish along with bresaola and cherry tomatoes, it’s really special!
Before moving on to the very short procedure for making it, I’ll leave you some suggestions for easy and delicious main courses below:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients for the ARUGULA AND LEMON PESTO
- 3 cups arugula
- 1.5 cups grated parmesan
- 1/3 cup blanched almonds
- zest of half a lemon (with edible peel)
- juice of half a lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- 1 ice cube
Tools for preparing the ARUGULA AND LEMON PESTO
- Immersion blender
Steps for preparing the ARUGULA AND LEMON PESTO
In the jar of the immersion blender, first pour in the arugula (well washed and dried), then the blanched almonds, oil, grated parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
Then add the zest of half a lemon and its juice, making sure to remove any seeds. Finally, add an ice cube, which will give your pesto a bright green color.
Note: To obtain the lemon zest, use a peeler, being careful not to take the white part of the lemon, which is very bitter. If you don’t have a peeler, use a simple knife.
Place the immersion blender into the jar with all the ingredients and activate it intermittently so as not to overheat the blades and motor.
Blend until you have obtained a smooth, creamy pesto with a homogeneous color.
Taste your arugula and lemon pesto and, if necessary, adjust the salt.
Here is your ARUGULA AND LEMON PESTO, with its unique and delicious flavor.
Storage
Arugula and lemon pesto can be stored for a couple of days in the refrigerator, in a jar or airtight container. Alternatively, you can freeze it.
FAQ
Can almonds be replaced with other nuts?
Yes, certainly. In place of almonds, you can use walnuts, pine nuts, or even cashews.
Can lemon be omitted?
Yes, of course. Omitting the lemon will give you a classic arugula pesto.
