Springtime Pesto
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Wednesday, May 28, 2025
By NCG's Co+op Kitchen

Total Time: 25 minutes  Servings: 4-6


Ingredients

  • 4 cups lightly packed arugula
  • 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta


Preparation

  • Process the arugula, parsley, garlic, Parmesan and peas in a food processor until they form a smooth paste, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl twice. Add the lemon juice, salt and olive oil and process, scraping down as needed, to make a smooth, creamy pesto. Place the pesto in a bowl, and stir in the lemon zest.
  • Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and toss with the pesto. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.


Serving Suggestion

Spread this light, fresh pesto on a prepared pizza crust and top with goat cheese before baking or broiling, and cut in small triangles for a seasonal appetizer. Add halved cherry tomatoes and snips of fresh herbs or garlic scapes if you like.

 

Nutritional Information

340 calories, 10 g. fat, 5 mg. cholesterol, 290 mg. sodium, 290 g. carbohydrate, 9 g. fiber, 13 g. protein