Sauces & spices
Methods for developing bright, herbaceous pesto alternatives using spinach, arugula, or other greens for diverse pasta and toast toppings.
A practical guide to creating vibrant, herb-forward pesto-like sauces using spinach, arugula, and other greens, unlocking bright flavors for pasta, toast, and seasonal dishes with simple, approachable techniques.
Published by
Edward Baker
July 16, 2025 - 3 min Read
Spinach and arugula form a versatile duo that can emulate traditional basil pestos while offering a lighter, peppery bite. The core idea is to balance greens with nuts, cheese, citrus, and a splash of olive oil until the mixture resembles a spreadable paste. Begin by toasting or dry-roasting your chosen greens to intensify their natural flavors. Then pulse them with a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts, grated Parmesan, and a gently minced garlic clove. Add lemon zest or a touch of zest from an orange for brightness. Finally, stream in olive oil until the texture glides smoothly on bread or stirred into hot pasta, adjusting salt to taste.
To craft bright herb-forward sauces that pair with varied pastas or toast toppers, switch up the greens you blend. Consider baby kale, chard, or arugula for peppery notes, spinach for sweetness, and herbs such as parsley or dill to lift the aroma. A quick blanch can mellow acidity and preserve vibrant hues before blending. Introduce a small amount of ricotta or mascarpone for creaminess without overpowering greens. If the mixture seems heavy, loosen it with a spoonful of pasta cooking water or a splash more citrus juice. Aim for a glossy, spreadable consistency that clings to noodles or a crusty slice.
Try unconventional greens and herbs for surprising, vivid brightness.
Start with a base of spinach and arugula to achieve a mild to mid-range bitterness that complements cheeses and nuts without dominating the palate. Lightly blanch the greens to soften tough fibers, then squeeze out excess moisture. Transfer to a processor with toasted almonds for texture, a portion of grated Pecorino for a sharper tang, and a clove of garlic to anchor the aroma. Introduce a drizzle of lemon juice to wake the mixture and prevent dullness. Run until almost smooth, scraping down sides occasionally. Finish with a stream of olive oil until the sauce becomes silky enough to coat pasta evenly or spread on toast.
If you crave herbaceous brightness beyond the standard pesto, experiment with fresh herbs like mint, tarragon, or cilantro alongside greens. They contribute minty coolness, anise-like sweetness, or citrusy freshness that brightens every bite. To balance, add nutritional yeast for a cheery, dairy-free savor, or use feta for tang instead of hard cheese. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for depth and a touch of sweetness, or roasted garlic for a mellower, sweeter finish. When blending, pause to taste and adjust salt, acidity, and the amount of oil. The goal is a vibrant, spreadable sauce that brightens vegetables, grains, or toast.
Bright greens, nuts, and citrus create versatile, welcome sauces.
For a lighter, seafood-friendly version, use a base of spinach with a hint of dill and lemon. Drain any excess moisture after blending to keep the sauce from feeling watery. A touch of Greek yogurt or soy cream can lend a subtle tang without overpowering the green notes, and a spoonful of capers adds a briny spark. If desired, finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and cracked pepper. This approach works particularly well tossed with pasta shells or spooned over warm, crusty bread to highlight the greens’ fresh character.
A sun-kissed version uses arugula as the star with lighter accompaniments rather than heavy cheese. Combine arugula with almonds or pistachios, lemon zest, and a soft cheese like ricotta to create a bright, creamy texture. Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat and a splash of white wine or its reduction to brighten the flavor profile. Blending should yield a sauce that adheres to pasta without clumping; it should also dress toast crisps in a smooth, vibrant layer that invites a second bite.
Dent the edges of bitterness with citrus and creaminess.
When you want a pesto option that skips dairy yet remains rich, toasted nuts deliver the needed body. Butternut squash seeds or roasted pepitas can substitute for pine nuts and add a toasty, slightly sweet note. Pair with spinach plus arugula for pepper and sweetness, then finish with grated Parmesan or aged vegan cheese if required. A light splash of orange juice can lift the greens’ bitterness, while a touch of miso can introduce umami depth. Blend until smooth but retain a touch of texture for a satisfying bite that clings to pasta or toast.
For a robust, party-ready condiment, emphasize roasted garlic and a robust cheese like pecorino. Begin with a base of baby kale or spinach, then add a handful of toasted walnuts for crunch. Use lemon juice to brighten, and a small amount of anchovy paste to deepen savoriness without tasting fishy. The result should be a glossy, thick sauce suitable for spooning over warm baguette slices or bundling with al dente pasta. Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or more olive oil to reach the ideal spreadable consistency.
Green sauces thrive on balance, texture, and aroma.
If you want to keep things dairy-free while preserving richness, opt for cashews or soaked almonds blended with greens, a splash of warm water, and a hint of nutritional yeast or miso. Start by soaking the nuts to soften their texture, then blend with spinach and arugula until ultra-smooth. A squeeze of lemon or lime adds sparkling acidity, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a creamy mouthfeel. This version is excellent on toast, where the greens’ brightness is best appreciated with a tangy finish that awakens the palate.
A gluten-free, vibrant pesto alternative can be achieved by using green herbs alongside greens. Incorporate parsley, cilantro, or chives to introduce fresh aroma layers. Pair them with a light cheese like feta or a dairy-free substitute, then emulsify with olive oil and a touch of vinegar for brightness. The sauce should coat pasta evenly and hold on to rustic bread without sliding off. For best results, pulse briefly to preserve tiny flecks of green and create a lively, speckled appearance in the finished dish.
Toasting nuts before blending intensifies their flavor and contributes a crisp note that contrasts with creamy greens. Experiment with different nut varieties—hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios each deliver distinct toasty characteristics. Combine base greens with a handful of toasted nuts, grated cheese, garlic, and citrus zest. If the mixture seems thick, loosen with a little hot pasta water or more olive oil. The aim is to achieve a flexible sauce that can envelope spaghetti, penne, or even shrine-ready toast. A final finish of cracked pepper brightens the plate’s overall perception.
Finally, consider using greens beyond spinach and kale, such as beet greens, spinach beet mix, or dandelion greens for a bold, earthy spin. Each leaf offers unique bitterness and aroma, expanding the pesto-like universe. Incorporate toasted seeds, fresh herbs, and bright citrus to keep flavors lively. When storing, cover with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation and refrigerate up to several days, or freeze in small portions for quick weeknight meals. This approach ensures you always have a vibrant, herbaceous topper ready for pasta and toast alike.
