Last week, I wrote about the start of September Whole30 and since we are right in our back-to-school and September Whole30 mode, right now seems like the perfect time to introduce a new packable Whole30 lunch salad: Arugula Pesto and Tomato Salad.
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If you have read my 10 Whole30 Lunches Post, you know that one of my loves is traditional Basil Pesto (Whole30 style). The problem with traditional pesto is that in the summer basil is abundant and lovely and pesto is easy to come by. In the winter, basil is still available but it’s expensive. Over this last winter I started buying arugula for salad and the peppery, citrusy flavor got me wondering about how arugula would be in the form of pesto. And, oh yes, my new pesto love affair is with Arugula Pesto. Oh, and this Arugula Pesto is not just for tomatoes. At the end of this post, I include some additional uses.
Arugula Pesto
Arugula Pesto is just as easy to make as Basil Pesto. Some arugula, whirred in a food processor or a blended (in batches). Some pine nuts whirred in a food processor. (We love our Ninja <–affiliate link.) Olive oil, lime juice and fresh lime zest and minced garlic. Salt and pepper. Stir and eat.
How much easier could it be to make pesto. And arugula is easily available all year round.
Arugula Pesto and Tomato Salad
So what do you do with arugula pesto? Make a super simple salad with cherry tomatoes. Can I tell you how obsessed I am with this salad. It’s so, so easy. Just cut some of your favorite bite sized tomatoes in half. During the summer, I get them from a local farm stand. During the other months I buy the multi-color package because they have good flavor even in the off season and they look so good. Add a tablespoon of arugula pesto to 1 cup of halved tomatoes.
Other Serving Ideas
Arugula Pesto would also be great served with chicken breasts or salmon like we do with our Basil Pesto. Oh and perhaps a lunch of Chicken Pesto Salad as recommended in 10 Whole30 lunches.
Check out other great Whole30 meals at my Whole30 Page which includes lots of Whole30 recipes as well as our experiences during our Whole30s.
Arugula Pesto and Tomato Salad
Equipment
- food processor (or blender)
- knife
- mixing bowl
- glass measuring cup
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Arugula Pesto
- 2 cups packed baby arugula
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- ¼-½ tsp kosher salt
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh lime zest
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice about ¼ lime
- ⅓-½ cup olive oil depends on the texture you like
Tomato Salad
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp arugula pesto
Instructions
Arugula Pesto
- Pulse arugula in a food processor or blender. Tranfer to a bowl.
- Pulse pine nuts in a food processor or blender. Transger to the bowl.
- Stir arugula, pine nuts, garlic, lime, lime zest and salt. Add ⅓-½ cup oil to desired consistancy.
Arugula Pesto and Tomato Salad
- Add 1 tablespoon of pesto to 1 cup of tomatoes.
- Store left over pesto in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and the freezer for up to 3 months. Salad can be stored up to three days in the refrigerator.