Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that you’ll love. It brings together the smokiness of red pepper, the peppery freshness of arugula, and the creamy crunch of pistachios. I absolutely adore this pesto because it’s so easy to make and tastes incredible with almost anything. You can use it on pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a simple meal for yourself.
After trying many different pestos, I believe this one is my favorite. The combination of red pepper, arugula, and pistachio makes it unique and delicious. It has the right balance of spice, nuttiness, and creaminess, and the addition of parmesan and garlic adds that savory kick.
Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish. The rich pesto sauce mixed with a red pepper base creates a smooth and tasty texture. This recipe is versatile enough to be used with pasta, roasted vegetables, or even as a sandwich spread. What’s more, it’s quick to make and requires just a few ingredients!
What Makes ‘Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe’ Best?
This recipe stands out for a few reasons.
- It combines unique ingredients like arugula and pistachios, creating an unforgettable taste.
- The smooth texture of the red pepper sauce and pesto blend perfectly together.
- It’s quick, simple, and packed with nutrients.
The red pepper adds a smoky depth, while the arugula provides a refreshing bite. Pistachios bring in a creamy texture, making this pesto different from the regular ones you’ve tried before. You can also adjust the thickness to your liking, whether you want it thicker for spreading or thinner for tossing with pasta.
Ingredients Needed for ‘Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe’
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful pesto:
- 2 large red peppers (roasted or fresh)
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients combine to create the most delicious pesto you’ve ever tasted. The red peppers give it a smoky depth, while arugula adds a touch of peppery freshness. The pistachios add a rich, creamy texture that makes this pesto stand out.
How to Make ‘Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe’
Making this pesto is super easy! Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare the red pepper: If using fresh red pepper, roast it first until the skin blackens and then peel it.
- Blend the pesto: In a food processor, combine the roasted red pepper, arugula, pistachios, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Add olive oil: Slowly add olive oil while blending until you reach the desired consistency.
- Season: Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend again to mix everything together.
The steps are simple and quick. You can adjust the consistency based on your preference – a little more olive oil for a runnier pesto or less for a thicker one.
Success Tip for ‘Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe’
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh red pepper and arugula really make a difference in the flavor.
- Toast the pistachios: Lightly toasting the pistachios before adding them enhances the flavor and brings out a nutty richness.
- Adjust consistency: Depending on what you’re using the pesto for, adjust the olive oil to make it thicker or thinner.
Things to Avoid in ‘Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe’
- Over-roasting the red pepper: If you roast the red pepper too long, it can become bitter and affect the flavor.
- Skipping the lemon juice: The lemon juice adds a bit of acidity that balances the richness of the pesto, so don’t skip it.
- Using salted pistachios: Always use unsalted pistachios to control the saltiness of the pesto.
Additional Tips for ‘Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe’
- Make it vegan: You can leave out the parmesan or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Storage: This pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
If you want to use this pesto on pasta, try tossing it with freshly cooked spaghetti, or spread it on a toasted sandwich for a delicious meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be paired with many different dishes.
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Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto Recipe
Looking for something bold, vibrant, and full of flavor? This Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto brings together a perfect mix of sweet red peppers, peppery arugula, and crunchy pistachios. It’s a unique twist on the classic pesto that delivers both a creamy texture and a tangy punch. Whether you're spreading it on sandwiches, tossing it into pasta, or using it as a dip, it’s sure to impress. The red pepper adds a slight sweetness, while arugula and pistachios contribute rich flavors and an exciting crunch. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, healthy, and easy-to-make dishes that stand out with bold flavors. The great thing is that it can be prepared in just 15 minutes and stored for later use, making it a wonderful meal prep choice. This pesto also serves as an excellent topping for grilled vegetables or even as a drizzle over chicken or fish for a nutritious dinner.
It’s a recipe that’s not only fun to make but also makes every meal just a little more delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 Red Bell Peppers (roasted)
- 1 cup Arugula (fresh)
- 1/4 cup Pistachios (shelled)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1-2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (optional)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Optional Toppings: Additional Parmesan, Crushed Pistachios, Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Start by roasting your red bell peppers. If you prefer, you can do this by placing them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until the skin is charred and blistered. Alternatively, you can use jarred roasted peppers for a quicker option.
- Once roasted, let the peppers cool and peel off the skin. Remove seeds and roughly chop the peppers.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted peppers, arugula, pistachios, parmesan cheese, and garlic.
- Pulse the mixture a few times until it’s well combined but still slightly chunky.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to help emulsify the pesto and create a smoother texture.
- Add lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste, and blend until everything is smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if necessary.
- Transfer the pesto into a jar or serving dish and top with additional parmesan or crushed pistachios for extra texture and flavor.Extra Instructions: This pesto can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw it before using.
Notes
This Red Pepper Sauce Arugula Pistachio Pesto is perfect for any meal! You can mix it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip for your favorite veggies. If you want to make it vegan, you can skip the parmesan and use a vegan cheese alternative. The pistachios provide a wonderful crunch, but you can swap them with pine nuts or walnuts if you prefer a different flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs—a few basil leaves can give the pesto an extra kick! For an added spicy touch, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 6gNet Carbohydrates: 4gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 5g
Note while creating nutrition details table: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.