Serve Arugula Pesto alongside Grape Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese Salad, Arugula Pesto Pasta, Roasted Potatoes, Garlic Bread, and Grilled Fishes.
Grape Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese Salad
This salad is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
For a lighter option, try Grilled Fishes. Grilled Fishes
This side dish is one of our favorites.
Pesto means "to crush" in Genoese. Likewise, pesto typically refers to bright green sauces originating from Genoa, Italy.
Now, arugula pesto simply means pesto made from arugula.
A combination of freshly ground arugula leaves, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese- arugula pesto is intensely flavorful and aromatic.
It's also incredibly versatile and goes well with a variety of dishes.
No matter how delicious arugula pesto is, it can sometimes be tricky to know what to pair it with.
So, if you've been wondering what to serve with arugula pesto, don't go anywhere.
We've mentioned 7 of the best options below.
Best Pairings for Arugula Pesto
Arugula Pesto goes well with a variety of dishes.
However, it would take an entire book to list all the options.
So, a short curated list highlights the 7 best side dishes to have with arugula pesto - including pesto gnocchi side dish ideas.
1 - Grape Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese Salad
This salad is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
The sweetness of the grape tomatoes goes well with the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese.
Meanwhile, the arugula pesto dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.
If you want to add more flavors, toss in some freshly chopped spring greens, a dash of fresh lemon juice, or pepper.
The salad tastes exceptionally well on its own, or you can always have it with some tortilla chips.
For a complementary Mediterranean touch, consider pairing this salad with stuffed grape leaves - see stuffed grape leaves side dish suggestions.
2 - Arugula Pesto Pasta
You may have tasted the classic pesto pasta before, but have you ever tried arugula pesto pasta? This dish is a heavenly combination of flavorful arugula pesto and al dente spaghetti.
You can add some grilled chicken or shrimp if you want - or add grilled chicken for chicken pesto pasta ideas.
It'll make the dish even more filling and satisfying.
Don't forget to top it off with Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
3 - Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside- making them the perfect side dish for a creamy arugula pesto.
For this dish, we recommend using baby potatoes.
However, you can also use regular potatoes; just cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Before roasting the potatoes, make sure to toss them in some olive oil and salt.
This will help them attain a beautiful golden color and ensure that they're properly seasoned.
If roasted root vegetables are appealing, roasted carrots make a sweet, caramelized partner - see roasted carrots side dish options.
4 - Garlic Bread
Here's something special for those who just can't get enough of garlic - or try garlic butter shrimp side pairings for a richer garlic experience.
This dish is the perfect blend of crispy bread and garlicky flavors.
Pairing it with arugula pesto will take your palate on a flavor journey that they're unlikely to forget anytime soon.
Just pop the bread in the oven and let it do its thing.
While the bread is baking, you can prepare the arugula pesto.
When the garlic bread is golden and crusty, simply spread some pesto on top and enjoy.
5 - Grilled Fishes
This side dish is one of our favorites.
The smokiness of the grilled fish goes well with the arugula pesto sauce.
In fact, if your arugula pesto is bitter, the smoky flavor can help balance it out.
You can use any type of fish fillet for this dish.
However, if looking for recommendations, white fish such as cod, halibut, or bass work well - or try grilled swordfish pairings for bold flavor.
These types of fish have a delicate flavor that won't overshadow the pesto sauce.
Place your grilled fish on a white plate, drizzle some arugula pesto on top, and garnish with lemon wedges.
And there you have; a meal that's not only wholesome but also extremely Instagram-able.
6 - Rice Salad
Ever tried rice salad? If not, then you're in for a treat.
This dish is healthy, flavorful, and can be made in under 30 minutes.
It's the perfect side dish for arugula pesto because it has a neutral flavor.
This allows the flavors of the pesto to really shine through.
Plus, rice salad is incredibly versatile.
You can add in any vegetables or protein of your choice, such as chicken, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese - or use shredded chicken and see chicken fried rice side dish ideas for inspiration.
7 - Hard Boiled Eggs
Want a quick and easy brunch snack? Then you'll love this dish.
All you need are some hard-boiled eggs and arugula pesto.
Slice the hard-boiled eggs, spread some pesto on top, and garnish with paprika or chili flakes.
And that's it. This simple yet delicious snack is perfect for when you're on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grape Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese Salad This salad is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. This dish is a heavenly combination of flavorful arugula pesto and al dente spaghetti.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. This side dish is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.
Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
Pesto chicken works well with many of these sides. pesto chicken breast side pairings lists compatible options. Fresh arugula alternatives suit similar recipes - arugula substitute cooking suggestions explains the best swaps.