Don't toss unused arugula, make this 6 ingredient arugula basil pesto that's ready to top your favorite pasta in just 5 minutes. It's less expensive than traditional pesto with cashews instead of pine nuts too!
Table of contents
Quick homemade pesto is a great way to use up greens (like spinach and arugula) that are about to go bad, try this Pistachio Pesto and Pistachio Pesto Pasta if you've got pistachios and spinach that are ready to be used.
How will this pesto recipe make your life easier?
Batch cooking is a great cooking for one trick, it's like meal prepping without having to set aside time to actually meal prep. All it really is is making extra of what you're already making, then freeze or refrigerate the rest for later.
Any pesto, like this arugula basil pesto, is one of the best foods to batch cook, it's not only easy and freezer friendly, but is a delicious way to use up greens that are about to go bad or have even started to go bad.
You'll want to make this pesto recipe over and over because it's full of delicious ingredients like fresh arugula, cashew nuts, fresh basil leaves, a clove of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, hemp hearts, and grated parmesan cheese.
Not only is this quick arugula basil pesto sauce great for future quick dinners, it's great for a quick dinner the night you make it. Make this easy Pesto Pasta or slather it over salmon, chicken, tofu, or shrimp. YUMMM.
If you're looking for more really quick recipes, try this 15 Minute Pasta recipe, Shrimp and Veggie Foil Packets, Black Bean Tacos, or this Ugandan Chapati Roll with Veggies (AKA: Egg Roll-up).
What makes this arugula pesto so good?
How do I make it?
Add all arugula basil pesto ingredients to a blender jar or food processor bowl, blend until desired smoothness.
Add pesto to this Pesto Pasta; or top salmon, tofu, shrimp, or chicken with it.
Transfer your arugula basil pesto to a jar if you plan on using it all within 4-5 days, or pour into an ice tray to freeze individual servings for later.
Substitutions/Tips
- Pesto traditionally uses pine nuts, I used cashews in this arugula basil pesto because they're less expensive, but you can also use almonds, pistachios, or the traditional pine nuts.
- This recipe is a great way to use up greens that are starting to wilt and get slimy, slightly slimy arugula or basil works just fine in this recipe. That said, you can sub the arugula for spinach or more basil.
- You can buy a basil plant instead of a clamshell of basil. You can plant your basil or place it on a plate and keep watering it. It'll cost you less and give you more basil!
- Add a splash of lemon juice to add a tangy flavor.
FAQ
As a dietitian, I recommend eating a variety of foods, so yes, it's healthy. Pesto, like this arugula basil pesto is a great sauce because it's really flavorful and is packed with greens and basil.
Any leafy green is a good substitute for basil in pesto (like kale, spinach, arugula), but I still recommend adding a teaspoon or so of dried basil (or oregano) to your pesto for flavor.
This arugula basil pesto is delicious on pasta with edamame, like in this Pesto Pasta. It's also great on salmon, chicken, shrimp, and tofu. You can also use it to top roasted vegetables or as a salad dressing (add olive oil).
What can I make with leftover ingredients?
- Arugula: Pear, Prosciutto, and Arugula Pizza or Beet and Arugula Salad
- Basil: Pistachio Pasta Sauce, Pan Seared Salmon with Summer Salad, or 15 Minute Pasta
- Cashews: add to Beef and Broccoli or Watermelon Chicken Salad.
Did you make this arugula basil pesto? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Arugula Basil Pesto
Equipment
- High powered blender OR food processor
- Measuring cups, spoons
- MIcroplaner or Box Grater
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- ½ cup cashews
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons hemp hearts
- 1 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- pinch salt to taste
Instructions
- Add 2 cups arugula, ½ cup cashews, ¼ cup basil leaves, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 Tablespoons hemp hearts, 1 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese, 1 garlic clove, and a pinch of salt to high powered blender/food processor, blend until well incorporated
- Top pasta, fish, or other protein with arugula basil pesto immediately. Or freeze sauce in an ice tray.
Video
Notes
- You can substitute the cashews with almonds, pistachios, or traditional pine nuts.
- Swap the arugula for spinach or more basil.
- Greens that are about to wilt or just starting to wilt are great in this recipe.
- Buy a basil plant instead of just basil leaves, because it'll regrow.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to add a tangy flavor.
Want to get more single serving recipes and other easy ones like this arugula basil pesto delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.
Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started.
Liza says
Love this fresh take on pesto! The arugula adds such delicious flavor. Great recipe!
Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD says
such delicious flavor! agreed
Tracy says
This was so so easy to make and I love how convenient they are to keep in the freezer! Great recipe, thank you!
Holley says
I just love this idea! So easy and tastes amazing!
Ali says
I have such a large basil plant this summer, I am looking for more basil recipes and this one looks like such a great idea! I always love having pesto on hand for tomato mozzarella paninis.
Justine says
I love homemade pesto, but it's usually so expensive to make. This was a great budget friendly alternative, and still tasted absolutely incredible!