Arugula Pesto Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant bowl with roasted vegetables and zesty arugula pesto over fluffy quinoa.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, uncooked and rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Vegetables

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Arugula Pesto

09 - 2 cups fresh arugula, packed
10 - 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts
11 - 1 clove garlic
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup olive oil
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Assembly

16 - 2 cups fresh arugula
17 - 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
18 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, optional
19 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - Toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper with olive oil and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 18-20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
04 - In a food processor, combine arugula, walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. With motor running, gradually drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt.
05 - In a large bowl, toss cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and half of the prepared arugula pesto until evenly coated.
06 - Divide fresh arugula among four serving bowls. Top each with the quinoa-vegetable mixture and drizzle with remaining pesto.
07 - Top each bowl with shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It is a nutrient-dense vegetarian main dish that is easy to prepare in under an hour.
  • The homemade arugula pesto offers a unique, peppery twist on traditional basil pesto.
  • It is highly versatile, allowing for various grain and protein substitutions to suit your pantry.
02 -
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden to enhance their flavor before garnishing.
  • Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
  • This recipe contains milk and tree nuts; always check ingredient labels if you have specific allergies.
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