Cashew Free Arugula & Herb Pesto

Total time10 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time0 min

4.8

(29)

Pesto is one of those sauces that feels fancy but comes together in minutes, and this arugula and herb version is genuinely vibrant and full of personality. The combination of peppery arugula and sweet basil creates a more complex, layered flavor than a single-herb pesto — bright, grassy, and a little bold. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice lifts everything, while good extra-virgin olive oil brings it all together into a silky, spoonable sauce. The optional pinch of turmeric adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue without overpowering the fresh herb flavor. Store-bought pestos are notorious for sneaking in cashews or mixed nut blends, so making your own from scratch is the smartest move when you need to keep things nut-free. This recipe skips nuts entirely and still delivers that rich, satisfying texture you want — no substitutions needed, just great ingredients doing their job. Toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, or use it as a dipping sauce and it will disappear fast.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

6 servings

2 cups fresh arugula, packed
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
2 cloves garlic, peeled
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp ground turmeric (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the arugula, basil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the greens are coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
2
With the processor running, pour the olive oil in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube and process until the pesto is mostly smooth with a slightly textured consistency, about 20–30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!