Rocket & macadamia pesto
Elevate your dishes with our Rocket & Macadamia Pesto! This vibrant, nutty blend combines 6 cups of peppery arugula, fresh basil, rich macadamia nuts, zesty lemon juice, garlic, grated parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil to create a deliciously unique and versatile sauce. Perfect for pasta, salads, and more!
- 12 May 2025
- Cook time 0 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 18 Servings
- 7 Ingredients
Rocket & Macadamia Pesto is a delightful twist on the classic pesto recipe, merging the peppery flavors of arugula with the rich, buttery texture of macadamia nuts. This unique combination creates a vibrant and creamy pesto that pairs wonderfully with pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. It's a versatile condiment that can elevate various dishes with its fresh and nutty profile.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Wash the arugula and basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Place the macadamia nuts and garlic cloves into a food processor.
- Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped. This helps to break them down and combine evenly in the pesto.
- Add the arugula and basil leaves to the food processor.
- Pulse several times until the greens are finely chopped and well-combined with the nuts and garlic.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture.
- Pour in the lemon juice to add a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Pulse a few more times to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- With the food processor running on a low setting, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream.
- Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency. Stop and scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure all ingredients are well-combined.
- Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a bit more lemon juice based on your preference.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container.
- Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately; it should keep for up to a week.
- Serve with pasta, on sandwiches, as a dip, or any way you enjoy pesto!
Tips:
- Toasting the macadamia nuts lightly in a pan before using them can enhance their flavor and add a deeper nutty taste to the pesto.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
- For a more intense flavor, add more garlic cloves to taste.
- You can store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pour a layer of olive oil on top to preserve its freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- This pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
In just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious Rocket & Macadamia Pesto, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. The marriage of arugula, basil, macadamia nuts, and parmesan cheese makes it a standout condiment that's sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade pesto and experiment with different ways to incorporate it into your meals!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 24 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 45kcal | 2% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 1.52g | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 1.31g | 0% |
| Fiber 0.46g | 1% |
| Sugar 0.32g | 0% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 14g | 17% |
| Saturated 2.42g | 8% |
| Cholesterol 2.90mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 16ug | 2% |
| Choline 3.48mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B1 0.03mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B2 0.02mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B3 0.12mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 0.03mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B9 7ug | 2% |
| Vitamin B12 0.04ug | 2% |
| Vitamin C 1.24mg | 1% |
| Vitamin E 0.07mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K 9ug | 7% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 44mg | 3% |
| Copper, Cu 0.03mg | 4% |
| Iron, Fe 0.24mg | 2% |
| Magnesium, Mg 10mg | 2% |
| Phosphorus, P 33mg | 3% |
| Potassium, K 50mg | 1% |
| Selenium, Se 1.71ug | 3% |
| Sodium, Na 77mg | 5% |
| Zinc, Zn 0.24mg | 2% |
| Water | |
| Water 8g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
More recipes
Individual baked pumpkin, feta and leek risottos
Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant appetizer.
18 Mar 2025Beef and vegetable bolognaise
Enjoy a fulfilling dining experience with this wholesome recipe.
20 Jul 2025Chicken pasta with pumpkin
Ready in under an hour, it's a simple yet flavorful way to celebrate autumn.
31 May 2025Cucumber avocado caprese salad with mozzarella
Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, it’s a nutritious and delicious treat for any occasion.
04 May 2025Tomato and roasted capsicum pesto
Enjoy a healthy twist on traditional pesto without the nuts and seeds.
23 Mar 2025Cauliflower-crust pizza with ricotta, prosciutto and mint pesto
Ideal for dinner parties or family meals, this pizza offers a unique and nutritious way to enjoy pizza night.
06 Jun 2025