Pork Free Arugula & Herb Pesto
Bright, peppery arugula teams up with fragrant basil to create a pesto that feels fresher and more vibrant than anything you'd find in a jar. The combination of two packed cups of greens gives it a bold, slightly bitter edge that balances beautifully against the richness of good extra-virgin olive oil. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice lifts the whole thing, keeping it lively rather than heavy. The optional pinch of turmeric adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue if you're feeling adventurous. Everything comes together in a food processor in just a few quick pulses — no cooking, no fuss, no complicated technique required. Because this pesto is built entirely from fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and lemon, it's naturally free from any animal-derived proteins, making it an effortless fit for a wide range of dietary needs without any substitutions or workarounds. Toss it with pasta, spread it on crusty bread, or use it as a punchy sauce for roasted vegetables — it's the kind of versatile condiment that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
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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.
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