Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Brighten up your meals with this vibrant Pumpkin Seed Pesto, a delightful twist on the classic recipe that swaps pine nuts for nutty, toasted pumpkin seeds. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a smooth and creamy pesto bursting with fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and savory Parmesan cheese, all brought together by a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This easy, no-fuss recipe is perfect for topping pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or even drizzling over roasted vegetables. Packed with flavor and a touch of crunch, this homemade pesto will quickly become your go-to condiment for elevating everyday dishes. Refrigerate any leftovers to enjoy throughout the week!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the pumpkin seeds.
Toast the seeds, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes or until they are lightly golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, and pulse one final time to combine.
Taste and adjust seasonings or lemon juice if desired.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container for immediate use, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1780 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 173.0 g | 222% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.1 g | 170% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1680 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.2 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 48.5 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 678 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1357 mg | 29% | |
*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.
