Arugula, also known as 'roquette' (pronounced ‘rocket’), is my all time favorite green. Its peppery bite and tender texture is something I can't ever get enough of.
An obvious use for arugula is in salads. I also love it on pizza too! However last year when making massive batches of pesto at the end of August to freeze for winter, I began to experiment with arugula pesto with great success. Celebrating the first of the season from our local Farmer's Market, I decided to glorify it further by using pistachio nuts from my recent road trip to New Mexico in the place of pine nuts. The results were fabulous AND fast; this entire pesto pasta dish is ready in less than 30 minutes!
Traditional pesto is made with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese. It is a very fast and fresh way to dress pasta, as a sauce for chicken or fish, or a sauce for vegetables. Once you begin to make it you'll realize the possibilities are endless and it's such an easy thing to whip up! I've provided my base pesto recipe but you can make it more peppery with more arugula or garlic. Season to your own preference!
Recipe
Toasted Pistachio Arugula Pesto with Brown Rice Fusili Pasta (gluten free)
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups arugula , washed, long stems removed
- 1 large garlic clove
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup pistachio nuts , shelled
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 package prepared Brown Rice Fusili Pasta
Instructions
- Heat a small, dry skillet over medium heat until warm. Add the pistachio nuts, stirring frequently until they begin to toast and become lightly brown (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful to not allow them to burn.
- In the bowl of a food processor, place 4 cups arugula, garlic clove, toasted pistachio nuts and olive oil. Process until liquefied, scraping sides of the bowl as necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste. Note: If thinner pesto is desired, add more olive oil.
- Serve over freshly made pasta with some chopped pistachio nuts for garnish.
Lindsay (Rosemarried) says
we really are sistahs from another mother! During this 'vegan' phase, I've been making a lot of pestos, and I've been dying to make one with pistachios and haven't gotten around to it. I LOVE PISTACHIOS. I'm totally going to make this. glad you like the goddess dressing recipe. its so yummy on arugula. 🙂
MarmandeintheKitchen says
Arugula is my favorite green as well. I bet it tastes great with pistachios – looks delicious!
Lea Ann says
Love this.
Lizzy says
Gorgeous and healthy…looks like another winner (to balance out the ice cream afterward!).
Leanna @ Raptor Toe says
OoOoh pistachios were a great idea!!
Tastemonials says
I love arugula pesto and have tried various nuts. Looks like I'll have to add pistachios to the list.
Franklin from Dine Delish says
I like that you add toasted pistachios. Yum!
cajunlicious says
I love pesto and I can't wait to try yours!
Jennifer-Adventuresome Kitchen says
Yay for Tinkyada! It's the only pasta I use. Absolutely LOVE the arugula pesto! I was just thinking about your sorrel post the other day and thinking about that in pesto form- I definitely need to give alternative pesto greens a go. CanNOT wait for my farmer's market and CSA to get going!
Kate says
I love arugula pesto but had never thought os uring pistachios in it as well. Great idea and looks delicious!