Healthy Spinach Pesto
Brighten up your meals with this Healthy Spinach Pesto, a lighter, nutrient-packed twist on the classic recipe! Bursting with the fresh flavors of spinach, basil, and zesty lemon juice, this vibrant pesto substitutes traditional pine nuts with heart-healthy walnuts for a nutritious boost. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, while garlic and extra-virgin olive oil create a silky texture that's perfect for drizzling, dipping, or spreading. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this quick and easy spinach pesto is a versatile condiment that's ideal for elevating pasta dishes, sandwiches, or vegetable platters. It's the ultimate choice for a fresh, wholesome, and flavor-packed addition to your favorite dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Raw walnuts
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Fresh garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
Rinse the fresh spinach and basil leaves thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the spinach, basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse the ingredients until roughly blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
With the processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If needed, add water one tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired consistency.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Transfer the spinach pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Serve immediately with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a versatile dip for fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1056 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 105.7 g | 136% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1593 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.7 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 21.5 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 417 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 879 mg | 19% | |
*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.
