Asparagus noodles with pesto

Discover a fresh take on pasta with our Asparagus Noodles with Pesto recipe! This vibrant dish features nutrient-packed asparagus noodles smothered in a rich, homemade pesto sauce made from basil, parsley, pine nuts, capers, and garlic. Enhanced with a hint of lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and peppery arugula, it's a healthy and flavorful meal you'll love! Ready in just under 30 minutes, it's the perfect light and savory dish for any occasion.

  • 16 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 15 min
  • Prep time 5 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 12 Ingredients

Asparagus noodles with pesto

Asparagus noodles with pesto is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the freshness of asparagus and the bold flavors of a homemade pesto. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it's a fantastic way to use seasonal produce. The pesto, made with basil, parsley, pine nuts, and a hint of lemon zest, adds a vibrant, zesty punch to the tender asparagus noodles, making it a dish that's full of flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

1 lb asparagus
450g
6 cups basil leaves
36g
1/4 cup fresh parsley
16g
2 tbsp pine nuts
16g
1 tbsp capers
9g
1 garlic clove
3g
1 dash salt
0.40g
1 dash black pepper
1/10g
1/4 cup olive oil
55g
0.06 tsp red pepper (spice)
0.02g
3 cups arugula
60g
1 tsp lemon zest
2g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus stalks.
- Using a vegetable peeler, carefully shave the asparagus into long, thin noodle-like strips. Set the asparagus noodles aside.
2. Make the Pesto:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, parsley, pine nuts, capers, garlic clove, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pulse a few times to start combining the ingredients.
- While the machine is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the asparagus noodles and the arugula.
- Pour the fresh pesto over the asparagus noodles and arugula. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the pesto.
4. Finish and Serve:
- Add the lemon zest to the mixture and give it one final toss.
- Transfer the asparagus noodles with pesto to serving plates.
5. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately as a light, flavorful meal. You can add an extra sprinkle of pine nuts or a few basil leaves on top for garnish if desired.

Tips:

- Use a vegetable peeler or spiralizer to create thin, noodle-like strips of asparagus for even cooking and a visually appealing presentation.

- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the pesto.

- If you don't have capers, you can substitute with a small amount of olives or omit them altogether.

- Adjust the amount of olive oil in the pesto to achieve your desired consistency. Add it gradually while blending for the perfect texture.

- For an extra burst of citrus flavor, you can add a splash of fresh lemon juice along with the lemon zest in the pesto.

- Serve the asparagus noodles immediately after preparing to ensure they remain crisp and fresh. If needed, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Asparagus noodles with pesto is a versatile and satisfying meal that's sure to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients and the rich, homemade pesto creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you're looking for a healthy option or simply a delicious meal, this recipe won't disappoint. Enjoy your culinary creation and savor the fusion of fresh, wholesome ingredients!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size160 grams
Energy
Calories 60kcal3%
Protein
Protein 3.96g3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 3.14g8%
Sugar 2.66g3%
Fat
Fat 16g20%
Saturated 2.17g7%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 100ug11%
Choline 24mg4%
Vitamin B1 0.19mg16%
Vitamin B2 0.20mg15%
Vitamin B3 1.49mg9%
Vitamin B6 0.15mg9%
Vitamin B9 90ug22%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 16mg17%
Vitamin E 1.86mg12%
Vitamin K 170ug138%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 72mg6%
Copper, Cu 0.33mg37%
Iron, Fe 3.45mg31%
Magnesium, Mg 44mg10%
Phosphorus, P 100mg8%
Potassium, K 360mg11%
Selenium, Se 2.81ug5%
Sodium, Na 100mg7%
Zinc, Zn 1.08mg10%
Water
Water 130g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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