Quick Pea Pesto Side Dish
Brighten up your table with this Quick Pea Pesto Side Dish—an effortless yet flavor-packed addition to any meal! This recipe combines sweet, vibrant peas with fresh basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and lightly toasted pine nuts for a creamy, herbaceous twist on traditional pesto. With just 10 minutes of prep and no cooking required, this dish comes together seamlessly in a food processor, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The addition of zesty lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes elevates the flavors, while its versatility lets you enjoy it as a standalone side, a zippy spread, or a refreshing pasta sauce. Packed with color, nutrients, and gourmet flair, this quick and healthy recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 0.25 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
If using frozen peas, run them under cold water to thaw or leave them to sit at room temperature until fully thawed. Drain well.
In a food processor, combine the peas, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse a few times until the mixture begins to combine but is still slightly coarse.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure even blending.
Add the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Pulse a few more times to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
Serve immediately as a side dish, or use as a spread, pasta sauce, or dip. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
734 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.5 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1523 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.0 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 241 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 168 mg | 4% | |
*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.
