Zesty Arugula Cashew Pesto
Elevate your favorite dishes with this vibrant Zesty Arugula Cashew Pesto, a delightful variation on the classic pesto. Bursting with the peppery flavor of fresh arugula and the rich creaminess of cashew nuts, this sauce offers a refreshing twist to traditional Italian cuisine. Perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or slathering on sandwiches, this recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Easy to whip up in just minutes, this pesto is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
arugula leaves
2 cups (washed and trimmed)
cashew nuts
1/2 cup (raw or lightly toasted)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin for best flavor)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
garlic
1 clove (peeled)
Instructions
1
Rinse the arugula leaves thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.
2
In a food processor, combine the arugula leaves, cashew nuts, garlic clove, and Parmesan cheese.
3
Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped and well combined.
4
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a creamy consistency.
5
Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
6
Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired smoothness.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt or more Parmesan cheese according to your preference.
8
Serve the pesto immediately over your favorite pasta, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Arugula Cashew Pesto?
It is a vibrant variation on classic pesto that uses peppery fresh arugula and creamy cashew nuts for a refreshing twist.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include arugula leaves, cashew nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and a garlic clove.
Is this arugula pesto recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and Parmesan cheese.
How much arugula is needed for this pesto?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of washed and trimmed arugula leaves.
How many cashew nuts are required?
You will need 1/2 cup of cashew nuts, which can be raw or lightly toasted.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in this pesto.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves does the recipe require?
One peeled garlic clove is used to provide a zesty flavor.
How do I prepare the arugula leaves?
Rinse the arugula leaves thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry before starting.
Can I use toasted cashews?
Yes, you can use either raw or lightly toasted cashew nuts for this recipe.
What equipment do I need to make this pesto?
A food processor is the primary tool needed to blend the ingredients together.
How do I start the blending process?
Combine the arugula, cashews, garlic, and Parmesan in the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
When should I add the olive oil?
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a creamy consistency.
Should I scrape down the sides of the bowl?
Yes, stop the processor as necessary to scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
How long should I blend the pesto?
Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired level of smoothness.
Can I adjust the saltiness of the pesto?
Yes, you can taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt or more Parmesan cheese to your preference.
How should I serve the Zesty Arugula Cashew Pesto?
It is excellent served immediately over your favorite pasta or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
Can this pesto be used on sandwiches?
Yes, it is a versatile sauce that is perfect for slathering on sandwiches.
How do I store leftover pesto?
Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the pesto stay fresh?
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, this pesto can be whipped up in just minutes.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
It features a peppery flavor from the arugula balanced by the rich creaminess of cashews.
Is this considered a healthy sauce?
This is a fresh, nut-based sauce that avoids heavy processed creams.
Can I use this as a dip?
While primarily a pesto, its thick consistency makes it a delicious dip for vegetables or bread.
Does the recipe contain any gluten?
The ingredients listed (arugula, nuts, oil, cheese, garlic) are naturally gluten-free.
Is this an Italian-style recipe?
Yes, it is a creative variation of traditional Italian pesto.
What makes this pesto 'zesty'?
The combination of peppery arugula and fresh garlic provides its signature zesty kick.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if your food processor is large enough.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No, this is a raw sauce that requires no cooking, only blending.
What is the final consistency of the pesto?
The pesto should be creamy and smooth once the olive oil is fully emulsified.