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.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 lb asparagus6 cups basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 tbsp pine nuts
1 tbsp capers
1 garlic clove
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
0.06 tsp red pepper (spice)
3 cups arugula
1 tsp lemon zest
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.
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 per serving
4 ServingsCalories 60kcal
Protein 3.96g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 3.14g
Sugar 2.66g
Fat 16g
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