Inspired by @iszy's, we've turned it into a full fledged kitchen-ready recipe just for you!
Looking for a unique twist on classic pesto? This vibrant, dairy-free, and basil-free mint arugula pesto offers a refreshing and peppery flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Perfect for those seeking delicious vegan sauces or a creative way to use fresh herbs, this recipe is incredibly easy to make at home. It’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or adding a burst of flavor to any dish. Say goodbye to traditional basil and hello to a fresh, exciting alternative! This wonderful variation was discovered by @iszy in Seed to Plate, Soil to Sky by Lois Ellen Frank.
Imagine vibrant green arugula, fresh mint leaves, and golden vegan parmesan laid out, ready to be transformed into a delicious pesto.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese (such as Rebel Cheese parmesan for authentic flavor)
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (or to taste)
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Spatula
- Airtight container for storage
Simple Steps to Make Mint Arugula Pesto
Making this fresh pesto is quick and straightforward, perfect for any home cook.
- Combine the fresh arugula, mint leaves, vegan cheese, and garlic in a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until a smooth, thick pesto forms.
- Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse again to combine and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or store in an airtight container.
Variations and Adaptations
This versatile pesto can be customized to suit various preferences or dietary needs:
- Nutty Texture: For a richer, classic pesto feel, add a handful of pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to the food processor before blending.
- Extra Greens: Boost the nutritional content by blending in additional greens like baby spinach or kale.
- Spicier Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful warmth.
- Gluten-Free Meal: Enjoy this pesto with gluten-free pasta or use it as a flavorful spread on gluten-free bread or crackers.
Tips & Hacks for Perfect Pesto
- Storage Savvy: Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, freeze individual portions in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need!
- Prevent Browning: To maintain its vibrant green color when storing in the fridge, pour a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil over the surface of the pesto before sealing the container.
- Beyond Pasta: This pesto is incredibly versatile! Try it as a delicious sandwich spread, mixed into roasted vegetables, dolloped onto vegan burgers, or thinned with a little extra olive oil and water to create a vibrant salad dressing.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thinner pesto (ideal for dressings or drizzling), add a little more olive oil or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.
Related Articles
- Discover more vibrant flavors with our Vegan Pesto Greens Bowl Recipe.
- Looking for another great pasta dish? Try our Easy Vegan Lasagna for Two.
- Explore more plant-based meal ideas, like our Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Pasta Recipe.
Ready to revolutionize your pesto game? Try this easy vegan mint arugula pesto recipe tonight and share your creations on abillion! We love seeing how you enjoy unique plant-based dishes.
