Pescatarian Basil-Pesto Arugula Salad

Total time15 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time0 min

4.6

(7)

This vibrant green salad is everything you want on a warm day — peppery arugula, cool cucumber, and crisp radishes all brought together by a bold, herbaceous pesto that you make from scratch in minutes. The pesto itself is the real star here, built from two full cups of fresh basil, bright lemon juice, and a touch of tiger nut flour that gives it body without relying on traditional pine nuts or cheese. That swap makes it naturally dairy-free and nut-free while still delivering that thick, spoonable richness you expect from a great pesto. A double hit of lemon — once in the pesto, once in the salad dressing — keeps every bite lively and fresh rather than heavy. The whole thing comes together in one food processor and one salad bowl, which means minimal cleanup and maximum payoff. Torn basil scattered over the top at the end is optional, but it adds a beautiful finishing touch that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Whether you're eating plant-forward or simply want a salad that actually satisfies, this one delivers.

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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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