Pistachio Pesto Noodle Salad
Salad greens and zucchini noodles are tossed with a creamy, nutty and protein-rich pesto. Pistachios stand in for pine nuts (which are typically used to make pesto) and contain less fat, while creamy avocado adds a rich, velvety texture.
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Ingredients
- 2 zucchini, trimmed (TIP: If you don't have a spiral slicer, try using 1 12-oz pkg kelp noodles or 3 1/2 oz brown rice pasta of your choice, cooked.)
- 2 cups spring or mesclun greens
- 1/2 cup raw unsalted shelled pistachios
- 1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 lightly packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus additional chopped fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional
- 1/4 cup pitted, peeled and chopped avocado (about 1/4 avocado)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved, optional
- 1/4 cup julienned carrots, optional
Preparation
- Working one piece at a time, secure zucchini into spiral slicer and turn crank to create angel hair noodles. (NOTE: Always read the directions for your spiral slicer as they vary by brand.) Transfer zucchini noodles to a large bowl. Add greens.
- Prepare pesto: In a small food processor, process pistachios, garlic and salt until pistachios are finely ground. Add 1 cup basil, avocado, oil and lemon juice and process until well combined. Add 2 tbsp water and process until combined. Add additional 2 tbsp water and process until well combined. (TIP: If you prefer a thinner pesto, add water in 1-tbsp increments until desired consistency is reached.)
- Add desired amount of pesto to zucchini and greens mixture and toss to coat. Divide among serving bowls. Garnish with tomatoes, carrots and chopped basil, if desired.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
- Calories 165
- Carbohydrate Content 12 g
- Cholesterol Content 0 mg
- Fat Content 12 g
- Fiber Content 4 g
- Protein Content 6 g
- Saturated Fat Content 2 g
- Sodium Content 195 mg
- Sugar Content 4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat Content 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat Content 3 g