Savory Arugula & Pumpkin Seed Pesto Delight
Elevate your meals with this vibrant and nutty Savory Arugula & Pumpkin Seed Pesto Delight, a creative twist on traditional pesto. Bursting with the fresh flavors of arugula and parsley, and enriched with the wholesome crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds, this vegan sauce provides a delectable alternative to typical basil pesto. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, spreading on pizzas, or even as a dip for fresh veggies, this pesto is also easily customizable. For an extra cheesy flavor without dairy, consider adding nutritional yeast. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a week and enjoy this versatile condiment in various dishes.
8
Servings
100
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Raw Pepitas
1 1/2 cups (Toasted recommended)
Arugula
3 1/2 cups (Chopped)
Fresh Parsley
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
4 (Peeled)
Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (Extra virgin recommended)
Instructions
1
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add the raw pumpkin seeds and toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and release their nutty aroma. Alternatively, you can toast them in a baking dish in the oven at 475°F for 8-10 minutes.
2
Once toasted, transfer the pumpkin seeds to a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground.
3
Add the peeled garlic cloves and sea salt to the food processor and pulse until combined.
4
With the food processor running, gradually add the arugula and parsley in handfuls through the top opening, allowing each addition to blend into the mixture before adding more greens.
5
After all the greens have been incorporated, slowly pour the olive oil through the top opening while blending. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
6
Stop the food processor occasionally to scrape down the sides and ensure everything blends smoothly.
7
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with more salt or oil as needed.
8
Transfer the pesto to a jar and seal tightly. It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy it on pasta, as a pizza sauce, or as a vibrant dip!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Arugula & Pumpkin Seed Pesto Delight?
It is a vibrant and nutty twist on traditional pesto made with arugula, fresh parsley, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this pesto is entirely vegan and plant-based.
Is the pesto nut-free?
Yes, it uses pumpkin seeds instead of traditional nuts, making it a great nut-free alternative.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, it is a dairy-free condiment.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this pesto recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 100 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 3.75g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much arugula is required?
You will need 3 1/2 cups of chopped arugula.
How many pumpkin seeds are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of raw pepitas.
How much fresh parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
It uses 4 peeled garlic cloves.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How much olive oil should I add?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How do I toast pumpkin seeds in a skillet?
Toast them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they brown and release a nutty aroma.
Can I toast the seeds in the oven?
Yes, you can toast them in a baking dish at 475 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.
How do I prepare the seeds for the pesto?
After toasting, pulse the seeds in a food processor until they are finely ground.
How should I add the greens to the food processor?
Add the arugula and parsley gradually in handfuls while the food processor is running.
How do I store the finished pesto?
Transfer the pesto to a jar, seal it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator.
How long does the pesto last in the fridge?
The pesto will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.
How can I add a cheesy flavor without using dairy?
Consider adding nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor.
What are some ways to use this pesto?
You can drizzle it over pasta, spread it on pizzas, or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables.
How much sea salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, though you can adjust it to taste.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe consists of 6 main ingredients.
How do I ensure a smooth consistency?
Occasionally stop the food processor to scrape down the sides during blending.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, taste the pesto and add more salt or oil as needed to reach your desired taste and consistency.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe suitable for rapid preparation.
Under what category is this recipe listed?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.