Arugula Pesto Bowl (Printable)

Nourishing grain bowl with zesty arugula pesto, roasted vegetables, and quinoa.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, uncooked, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Vegetables

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Arugula Pesto

09 - 2 cups fresh arugula, packed
10 - 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts
11 - 1 clove garlic
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup olive oil
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Assembly

16 - 2 cups fresh arugula
17 - 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
18 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, optional
19 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - In a saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - Toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper with olive oil and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 18–20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
04 - In a food processor, blend arugula, walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. With the motor running, drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt.
05 - In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and half the arugula pesto. Toss gently to coat.
06 - Divide fresh arugula among serving bowls. Top with the quinoa-vegetable mixture. Drizzle with remaining pesto.
07 - Garnish with shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and extra black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore and more like self-care.
  • The arugula pesto is so versatile it'll end up on your toast, pasta, and roasted potatoes once you taste it.
  • Everyone at the table can customize their bowl based on what they're craving that day.
02 -
  • Don't overdress the warm quinoa mixture or the pesto will become overpowering. The fresh arugula underneath provides another layer of green and keeps the dish from feeling monotonous.
  • If your pesto seizes up or becomes grainy when you're adding the oil, you've added it too quickly. Start over with a fresh batch and remember patience is key.
03 -
  • Toast your own pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for three to four minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, and you'll understand why they're worth the extra step.
  • If you can't find fresh arugula or it's wilted, baby spinach or watercress work beautifully in the pesto, though the flavor profile shifts slightly toward mild.
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