Food & Recipes

Summer Salad with Arugula-Mint Pesto

Snap Peas and Green Beans with Arugula-Mint Pesto

What a great way to spring into summer. I found this fresh Snap Peas and Green Bean salad recipe on Epicurious from the bon appétit June 2015 issue.  It was created by Carla Lalli Music.  I think I’ll follow the suggestion and use the pesto on almost any sandwich I can think of-especially grilled chicken. Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw skin-on almonds
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated
  • 2 cups (lightly packed) baby arugula
  • 2 ounces Parmesan, shaved, divided
  • 1 cup mint leaves, plus more for serving
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 12 ounces sugar snap peas
  • 12 ounces green and/or wax beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until fragrant and slightly darkened in color, 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop half of almonds and set aside. Pulse remaining almonds with garlic, arugula, half of Parmesan, and 1 cup mint in a food processor to a smooth paste. With motor running, stream in oil; thin with 2 tablespoons cold water to reach a pourable consistency. Season pesto with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook peas and beans in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain; transfer to a bowl of ice water and chill until cold. Drain peas and beans; pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with lemon juice and 3 tablespoons pesto; season with salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange peas and beans in a large bowl or platter over remaining pesto. Top with more mint leaves, reserved almonds, and remaining Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Do Ahead: Peas and beans can be blanched 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

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