Anti Inflammatory Vegan Lemon Arugula Pesto
Bright, peppery, and packed with ingredients that genuinely pull their weight, this arugula pesto is the kind of sauce that makes you want to put it on everything. Arugula brings a bold, slightly bitter bite that pairs beautifully with the toasted pine nuts and fresh lemon, while extra-virgin olive oil ties it all together with richness and healthy fats. Nutritional yeast steps in to deliver that savory, cheesy depth without any dairy, making this completely plant-based from start to finish. From an anti-inflammatory standpoint, this recipe is doing a lot of the right things — olive oil, arugula, garlic, and lemon are all ingredients with well-documented supportive properties, and there's no processed filler in sight. Toasting the pine nuts first is a small step that makes a big difference, coaxing out a warm, nutty flavor that elevates the whole sauce. The food processor does most of the work, and you can have this ready in under ten minutes. Toss it with pasta, spread it on flatbread, or spoon it over roasted vegetables — it's 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
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 3 cups packed fresh arugula
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool for 2 minutes.
- 2
Combine the toasted pine nuts, arugula, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!