Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans Recipe: Easy, Fresh and Flavorful

Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a vibrant, flavor-packed sauce that’s as versatile as it is delicious? This Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans is an exceptional twist on the classic pesto, delivering a delightful mix of peppery arugula, fragrant basil, and rich pecans. Not only is this recipe quick and simple, but it also boasts fresh ingredients that can transform any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s dive into why this pesto is a must-try!

Ingredients List

To create your Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh arugula: Expect a peppery punch that brings life to your dish.
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves: Use fragrant, vibrant basil for depth of flavor.
• 1/2 cup pecans: These nuts add a buttery richness; you can substitute walnuts or pine nuts if preferred.
• 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic amplifies the aromatic experience; adjust based on your garlic love!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that classic savory note; feel free to use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: This is where the flavor truly comes alive. Avocado oil can also work well.
• Salt and pepper to taste: These will round out the flavors beautifully.

Timing

Making your Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans is a breeze and will take about 15 minutes from start to finish. This time frame is significantly less than the average 25 minutes for traditional pesto recipes, making it a perfect choice for busy cooks who crave fresh, homemade sauces.

How to Make It

1. Toast the Pecans
   Start by placing the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring often. This enhances their buttery flavor and adds a crunchy texture.

2. Blend the Greens
   In a food processor, combine the fresh arugula, basil leaves, and toasted pecans. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed—aim for a slightly coarse texture to celebrate the good bits!

3. Add Garlic and Cheese
   Next, add the garlic cloves and grated Parmesan to the processor. Pulse a few more times to mix thoroughly. The garlic should infuse throughout, providing just the right punch.

4. Emulsify with Olive Oil
   While the food processor is running on low, drizzle in the olive oil slowly. This gradual addition will help emulsify the mixture, creating a creamy consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed until everything is fully combined.

5. Season to Taste
   Finally, add salt and pepper according to your preference. Give it a quick blend to incorporate the seasonings, and you’re ready to taste!

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Your Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans is now complete! You can serve it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a vibrant dip for veggies. Enjoy the fresh, rich flavors!

Nutritional Information

A single serving (about 1/4 cup) of this Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans typically contains:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 22g (of which saturated fat is 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 7g (with 1g of fiber and 1g of sugar)
• Protein: 6g

This pesto packs a nutritional punch, contributing healthy fats and vitamins A and C, thanks to the greens.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans and use sunflower seeds instead for a nut-free version that still delivers crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it vegan while keeping the cheesy flavor.
• Greener Pesto: For a superfood boost, mix in a handful of spinach or kale with the arugula and basil.

Serving Suggestions

This Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans is unbelievably versatile! Here are some imaginative ways to serve it:

• Pasta Dish: Stir the pesto into warm pasta for a simple yet sophisticated dish. Top it off with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Savory Sandwich Spread: Use this pesto in grilled sandwiches or wraps for added flavor.
• Pizzeria Freshness: Drizzle it over pizza, especially those with ricotta or fresh veggies.
• Dipping Sauce: Pair it with freshly-cut veggies or crackers for a beautiful appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-Blending: One of the key secrets to a great pesto is texture. If you blend it too much, you’ll end up with a puree rather than a chunky sauce.
2. Skipping the Toasting: Don’t skip toasting the nuts! This step enhances the flavor significantly.
3. Forgetting Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs; dried herbs won’t deliver the same vibrancy in flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans fresh and tasty:

• Refrigeration: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To keep it green and fresh, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.
• Freezing: Pesto freezes beautifully! Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for later use. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store in a freezer bag. This way, you’ll have fresh pesto ready whenever you need it.

Conclusion

In just a few minutes, you can whip up a delightful Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans that will add vibrancy to your meals and impress your family and friends. With its rich flavors and versatility, this pesto is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Why not give it a try today? Share your experience in the comments or explore more of our delicious recipes!

FAQs

Q: Can I use different nuts for the pesto?
A: Absolutely! While pecans offer a unique flavor, you can easily swap them for walnuts or pine nuts to adjust the taste to your liking.

Q: Is this pesto suitable for meal prepping?
A: Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just make sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness.

Q: Can I use this pesto in cooked dishes?
A: Definitely! Just add it near the end of cooking to maintain the fresh flavor—your dishes will have a wonderful herbal note.

Q: What can I pair with arugula pesto besides pasta?
A: Try it on grilled meats, as a pizza sauce, or mixed into soups for a burst of flavor!

Embrace the delightful freshness of Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans and let your cooking creativity flourish!

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