This rocket and walnut pesto is sure to tantalize your senses with its unique combination of flavours. It’s the perfect ingredient to enjoy when you want something special yet still simple enough to make in minutes. Not only is it full of flavour but it’s also packed with health benefits thanks to the fresh, nutritious ingredients. So if you’re ready for a different take on pesto, read on to find out how simple making this delectable pesto can be.
Reasons to try this pesto variation
Expand your pest experience and enjoy a delicious and healthy pesto that is easy to make.
Save money by using readily available ingredients like rocket, walnuts and olive oil.
Add a gourmet-style flair to any dish, with the nutty flavour of walnuts combined with the peppery taste of rocket.
Make an impressive performer for dinner parties, special occasions or just because you deserve to treat yourself well, in minutes.
Create a versatile condiment that can be used as a spread on sandwiches, tossed into pasta dishes or served atop grilled proteins.
This is a pesto that deserves a try. Stand back basil and pine nuts, there is a new blend in town!
How to make this walnut rocket pesto
Making rocket and walnut pesto is a simple process that can be done in minutes.
First, the rocket leaves are washed and drained, then roughly chopped and set aside. Next, walnuts are toasted and chopped before being added to the food processor. Then garlic is peeled and chopped, followed by the cheese being grated on the finest setting.
Finally, all the ingredients are combined in the food processor with some extra virgin olive oil and sea salt to taste. The result is a delicious and fragrant green sauce that can be used to dress pasta, salads or grilled vegetables.
TIPS for making a tasty nutty pesto
Use the freshest ingredients
This will ensure your pesto has maximum flavour.
Toast the walnuts
Before adding them to your pesto, lightly toast the walnuts for a few minutes in a dry pan over medium-high heat. This will help to bring out their flavour and give extra crunchiness to your finished dish. While you don’t have to do this, it does make a notable difference to the result.
Use quality olive oil
A good quality olive oil is ideal when making homemade pestos, so make sure you use an extra virgin variety for its rich flavours and health benefits. Again, this should not be a reason not to try this recipe n some form.
Add garlic according to taste
If you enjoy garlicky flavours add more garlic to your pesto mixture. However, if you’re not keen on garlic then simply leave it out of the recipe altogether or reduce it proportionally. You can then let the other ingredients such as the cheese and walnuts feature more prominently.
Adjust consistency with more/less liquid
Rocket and walnut pesto should have a silky-smooth texture that can be easily spreadable on foods like pasta dishes or sandwiches; adjust the consistency of your pesto by adding a touch more olive oil or even vegetable broth to reach the desired texture.
If you want to make sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the pesto, empty it from the processor into a bowl and give it a good stir before placing it in a clean sterilised jar.
With these simple steps, you’ll have rocket and walnut pesto that’s guaranteed to impress!
Personalising your rocket and walnut pesto
1. Use different nuts:
Instead of walnuts, try using almonds or hazelnuts for their unique flavours.
2. Add vegetables:
Toss in some grated carrots or celery to add an extra crunch and texture.
3. Try different greens:
Swap the rocket for kale or spinach to change things up a bit. Or make up a blend of these green leaves according to your tastes.
4. Spice up this pesto:
Include chilli pepper flakes or more freshly cracked black pepper to give the pesto more punch!
5. Include herbs:
Basil, parsley, thyme – mix any combination of your favourite herbs into the pesto for a herby twist! They can also reduce the sharp peppery taste of the rocket.
6. Change up the cheese:
Parmesan cheese is traditional but you can also use feta crumbles and hard goat/sheep cheese including Grana or Pecorino or Manchego for something more creative and unexpected!
7. Add some citrus zest/juice
Add some lemon or lime zest and/or a squeeze of juice for a bright, fresh sparkle to this pesto.
A few suggestions about using this rocket and walnut pesto
Toss through warm pasta, new potatoes or steamed vegetables
Try serving rocket and walnut pesto tossed with your favourite type of pasta for an easy, impressive and delicious meal. But it also does very well stirred through steamed vegetables, especially with new potatoes. Or add a spoonful to soups or stews.
Spread on pizza crust
Make a homemade pizza by spreading the pesto across the dough before adding the toppings of your choice.
Use as a sandwich spread
Add some rocket and walnut pesto to a ham or turkey sandwich for an extra flavourful lunch treat! Or add to a thick slice of bread, top with cheese and then place under the grill. When melted cut it into pieces and bite – it will melt you too!
Serve over grilled chicken or fish
Enhance any grilled chicken dish by topping it off with this tasty sauce!
Top bruschetta
Create simple yet elegant appetizers by placing toast slices topped with rocket and walnut pesto onto plates, with a shaving of parmesan to garnish. These can be served as appetizers at dinner parties or with drinks at a classy, relaxed gathering.
Make an easy tasty dip
Add to yoghurt and serve as a dip for snacks or vegetables.
This delicious rocket and walnut pesto recipe is sure to be a hit with you, your family and your friends. Not only does it have the perfect blend of flavours, but the combination of ingredients makes for an incredibly healthy dish that can easily fit into any diet plan.
The best part about this green sauce is its versatility – you can enjoy it over pasta or as a sandwich spread! If you’re looking for something new to add to your weekly meal plan, give this rocket and walnut pesto a try. Bon appetit!
Recipe for Rocket and Walnut Pesto
Equipment
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping board and knife
- Fine cheese grater
- Food processor/small food chopper
- Spatula
- Clean, sterilised glass jar with sealable lid
Ingredients
- 80 g rocket
- 30 g walnuts
- 30 g cheese Parmesan or other cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- 85 ml extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rocket leaves and drain excess water from them by shaking them in a colander +/- lined with some kitchen paper, or using a salad spinner.
- Grate the cheese.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
- Place the rocket leaves in a food processor along with the toasted walnuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse all these ingredients until they are combined but still have some texture.
- With the food processor running continuously, slowly pour in the olive oil until it is fully incorporated into the mixture (around 3 minutes).
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor to collect up all the ingredients into the mixture, and give it a final pulse to finish if needed.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
- Then, transfer to an airtight container for storage in your refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze in portions(in an ice-cube tray) for up to 1-2 months. It's also ready to use straight away of course!!!
- **To avoid it turning brown (from the natural process of oxidation of the green leaves)you can cover the sauce with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil (to protect the sauce from excess air).You will wonder why you ever bought pesto!
Notes
TIPS for making a tasty rocket pesto
Use the freshest ingredients
This will ensure your pesto has maximum flavour.Toast the walnuts
Before adding them to your pesto, lightly toast the walnuts for a few minutes in a dry pan over medium-high heat. This will help to bring out their flavour and give extra crunchiness to your finished dish. While you don’t have to do this, it does make a notable difference to the result.Use quality olive oil
A good quality olive oil is ideal when making homemade pestos, so make sure you use an extra virgin variety for its rich flavours and health benefits. Again, this should not be a reason not to try this recipe n some form.Add garlic according to taste
If you enjoy garlicky flavours add more garlic to your pesto mixture. However, if you’re not keen on garlic then simply leave it out of the recipe altogether or reduce it proportionally. You can then let the other ingredients such as the cheese and walnuts feature more prominently.Adjust consistency with more/less liquid
Rocket and walnut pesto should have a silky-smooth texture that can be easily spreadable on foods like pasta dishes or sandwiches; adjust the consistency of your pesto by adding a touch more olive oil or even vegetable broth to reach the desired texture. If you want to make sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the pesto, empty it from the processor into a bowl and give it a good stir before placing it in a clean sterilised jar. With these simple steps, you’ll have rocket and walnut pesto that’s guaranteed to impress!Personalising your rocket and walnut pesto
1. Use different nuts:
Instead of walnuts, try using almonds or hazelnuts for their unique flavours.2. Add vegetables:
Toss in some grated carrots or celery to add an extra crunch and texture.3. Try different greens:
Swap the rocket for kale or spinach to change things up a bit. Or make up a blend of these green leaves according to your tastes.4. Spice up this pesto:
Include chilli pepper flakes or more freshly cracked black pepper to give the pesto more punch!5. Include herbs:
Basil, parsley, thyme – mix any combination of your favourite herbs into the pesto for a herby twist! They can also reduce the sharp peppery taste of the rocket.6. Change up the cheese:
Parmesan cheese is traditional but you can also use feta crumbles and hard goat/sheep cheese including Grana or Pecorino or Manchego for something more creative and unexpected!7. Add some citrus zest/juice
Add some lemon or lime zest and/or a squeeze of juice for a bright, fresh sparkle to this pesto.A few suggestions about using this rocket and walnut pesto
Toss through warm pasta, new potatoes or steamed vegetables
Try serving rocket and walnut pesto tossed with your favourite type of pasta for an easy, impressive and delicious meal. But it also does very well stirred through steamed vegetables, especially with new potatoes. Or add a spoonful to soups or stews.Spread on pizza crust
Make a homemade pizza by spreading the pesto across the dough before adding the toppings of your choice.Use as a sandwich spread
Add some rocket and walnut pesto to a ham or turkey sandwich for an extra flavourful lunch treat! Or add to a thick slice of bread, top with cheese and then place under the grill. When melted cut it into pieces and bite – it will melt you too!Serve over grilled chicken or fish
Enhance any grilled chicken dish by topping it off with this tasty sauce!Top bruschetta
Create simple yet elegant appetizers by placing toast slices topped with rocket and walnut pesto onto plates, with a shaving of parmesan to garnish. These can be served as appetizers at dinner parties or with drinks at a classy, relaxed gathering.Make an easy tasty dip
Add to yoghurt and serve as a dip for snacks or vegetables.Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.