Arugula Walnut Pesto

Arugula Walnut Pesto is a peppery earthy addition to so many dishes. Use it on pasta, vegetables, or meats.

The making of Arugula Walnut Pesto

This recipe for Arugula Walnut Pesto was the invention for a simple dinner that I wanted to complicate. Not that making pesto is complicated, pesto is really rather easy to make, but I wanted the flavors in the simple dinner to be more complex. Rounded. Delicious.

As I was contemplating my dinner, making a risotto with roasted butternut squash and artichoke hearts I had leftover in the fridge, and the added ingredient suggestion from my husband, some pancetta, I thought the flavor needed a boost, something savory and peppery. Sage was a thought, but I have some beautiful arugula growing in the garden and thought the peppery element arugula offers would be a perfect accompaniment to the roasted squash and artichoke hearts. Added to that the earthiness of walnuts, a spritz of fresh lemon, and oh la la. It is good.

Pesto can be made out of almost any type of herb, mixed with nuts, add a little extra virgin olive oil, some cheese, and in this case, lemon juice for brightness. And most all pestos will go with almost all the things you want to serve pesto with. This one just has the hardiness to go with the roasted butternut squash and the earthy artichoke hearts. It would also go well with whole wheat pasta (which tends to need a heartier sauce), steamed green beans, or how about some roasted asparagus.