MSG Free Basil-Pesto Arugula Salad

Total time15 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time0 min

4.6

(7)

Bright, peppery arugula meets a vibrant homemade pesto in a salad that feels both fresh and deeply satisfying. The pesto here skips the usual parmesan and pine nuts entirely, leaning on tiger nut flour for body and a generous pour of extra-virgin olive oil for richness — no shortcuts, no packets, no hidden additives. That matters because store-bought pestos and bottled dressings are notorious for sneaking in flavor enhancers that have no business being in a simple herb sauce. Everything in this bowl is clean and straightforward: fresh basil, raw garlic, lemon juice, crisp radishes, and cool cucumber slices that add a satisfying crunch against the tender greens. The lemon does double duty, brightening both the pesto and the salad dressing so the whole dish tastes lively without relying on anything artificial. Toss it together right before serving and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt — it's the kind of salad that actually makes you want to eat your greens.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp tiger nut flour
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp fine sea salt

For the salad

5 oz baby arugula (about 6 cups loosely packed)
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
flaky sea salt, to taste

For serving

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the 2 cups packed basil leaves, garlic cloves, tiger nut flour, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and fine sea salt in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
2
With the processor running, stream in the 1/3 cup olive oil in a slow, steady pour until the pesto comes together into a thick, spoonable paste — it will be slightly textured, not completely smooth. Scrape down the sides and pulse once more to incorporate. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

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