Green Olive Pesto
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly savory, this Green Olive Pesto is a bold twist on a classic sauce that will elevate your favorite dishes. Featuring briny green olives, fresh parsley, fragrant basil, and the zing of lemon juice and zest, this vibrant pesto is perfectly balanced with nutty toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and silky extra virgin olive oil. Made in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, it's an effortless yet flavorful addition to pasta, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a crusty slice of bread. Whether you prefer it smooth or chunky, this easy recipe is packed with Mediterranean-inspired goodness and can be refrigerated for up to five days, making it as convenient as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Green olives (pitted)
- 1 cup Fresh parsley (packed)
- 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts (toasted)
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel the garlic cloves, grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated, and toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine the green olives, fresh parsley, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pulse a few times to break them down.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts to the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture is finely chopped but not completely smooth.
While the food processor is running on low, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency—chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.
Taste the pesto and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Blend briefly to combine the seasoning.
Transfer the green olive pesto to a jar or airtight container. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1968 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 191.0 g | 245% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.1 g | 216% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 71 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 4280 mg | 186% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.6 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 53.4 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1503 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 710 mg | 15% | |
*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.
