Nitrate & Nitrite Free Arugula & Herb Pesto
Bright, peppery arugula teams up with fragrant basil to create a pesto that feels more vibrant and alive than anything you'd grab off a store shelf. The combination of those two greens gives the sauce a bold, slightly bitter edge that pairs beautifully with the mellow richness of good extra-virgin olive oil. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice keeps everything tasting clean and lifted, while a pinch of sea salt ties it all together. If you choose to add the optional turmeric, it brings a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue without overpowering the herbs. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses — no cooking required, no complicated technique, just fresh ingredients doing exactly what they're supposed to do. Because every component here is a whole, unprocessed ingredient, you never have to second-guess what's in it or worry about hidden preservatives sneaking into your meal. Toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, or use it as a dipping sauce — this pesto is endlessly versatile and genuinely hard to stop eating.
About FigFig 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!