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.
- 17 Apr 2025
- Cook time 15 min
- Prep time 5 min
- 4 Servings
- 12 Ingredients
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:
Instructions:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the lemon zest to the mixture and give it one final toss.
- Transfer the asparagus noodles with pesto to serving plates.
- 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 Size | 160 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 60kcal | 3% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 3.96g | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 6g | 2% |
| Fiber 3.14g | 8% |
| Sugar 2.66g | 3% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 16g | 20% |
| Saturated 2.17g | 7% |
| Cholesterol 0.00mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 100ug | 11% |
| Choline 24mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B1 0.19mg | 16% |
| Vitamin B2 0.20mg | 15% |
| Vitamin B3 1.49mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B6 0.15mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B9 90ug | 22% |
| Vitamin B12 0.00ug | 0% |
| Vitamin C 16mg | 17% |
| Vitamin E 1.86mg | 12% |
| Vitamin K 170ug | 138% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 72mg | 6% |
| Copper, Cu 0.33mg | 37% |
| Iron, Fe 3.45mg | 31% |
| Magnesium, Mg 44mg | 10% |
| Phosphorus, P 100mg | 8% |
| Potassium, K 360mg | 11% |
| Selenium, Se 2.81ug | 5% |
| Sodium, Na 100mg | 7% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.08mg | 10% |
| 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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