Broccoli Pesto
Elevate your pasta nights and beyond with this vibrant, healthy twist on a classic—Broccoli Pesto. This quick and easy recipe combines nutrient-packed broccoli florets with the aromatic richness of fresh basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Balanced with a tangy hint of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a silky drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, this pesto is a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect as a zesty topping for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for veggies, this versatile recipe is both wholesome and indulgent. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more greens into your meals! Whether you're whipping up a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead (it stores beautifully), this broccoli pesto will become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp.
Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and pine nuts.
Pulse the mixture until finely chopped and well blended.
With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a creamy consistency.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, then pulse again to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
Transfer the broccoli pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. It can be stored for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1501 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.3 g | 198% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.1 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1917 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.0 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 28.2 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 570 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 312 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
