Arugula pesto is a bold, peppery twist on the classic Italian basil pesto. Fun fact: despite its popularity in English-speaking kitchens, “arugula” isn’t actually an Italian word. In Italy, these zesty greens are known as rucola, and the pesto made from them is called pesto di rucola. The name “arugula” traces back to Latin (eruca), but it’s the Italian rucola that is commonly used in Italy.
So, how does arugula pesto stack up against its more famous cousin, basil pesto? While basil pesto is creamy, sweet, and aromatic, arugula pesto brings a sharp, peppery kick that cuts through rich dishes like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty pizza. Basil pesto shines in pasta and salads, but arugula pesto is the star when you want to add a bold, slightly bitter edge to your dish.
