Nut-Free Classic Green Pesto
Bright, flavorful, and completely nut-free, this Nut-Free Classic Green Pesto offers all the creamy, herbaceous goodness you know and love—without the nuts! Made with a blend of fresh basil and vibrant baby spinach, this pesto balances the sharpness of Parmesan cheese with the zesty kick of garlic and fresh lemon juice. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil brings it all together for a lusciously smooth texture, while a hint of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor. With just 15 minutes of prep and no cooking required, this versatile condiment is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, roasted veggies, or as a dipping sauce. Whether you're nut-free or just looking for a new twist on a classic, this recipe is a must-try for pesto lovers everywhere!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Fresh baby spinach leaves
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Begin by washing the basil and spinach leaves thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them into smaller pieces to make blending easier.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, spinach leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and lemon juice.
Pulse the mixture a few times until the leaves and garlic are finely chopped.
With the food processor running on a low setting, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil, allowing it to emulsify with the other ingredients for a smooth consistency.
Once combined, stop the processor, and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add the salt and black pepper, then blend the mixture one last time until smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste if necessary.
Transfer the nut-free pesto to a clean jar or container. It's ready to use immediately, or it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1244 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 131.5 g | 169% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.5 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1880 mg | 82% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 18.4 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 526 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 302 mg | 6% | |
*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.
