Raw Asparagus Pesto
Brighten up your mealtime routine with this vibrant and nutritious Raw Asparagus Pesto, a no-cook sauce that’s bursting with fresh, garden-inspired flavors. Featuring tender asparagus spears blended with fragrant basil, nutty parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts, this pesto is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhance its zesty, creamy texture, while a hint of garlic adds a savory kick. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on crusty bread, or pairing with crisp veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you're a fan of plant-forward dishes or simply seeking a creative way to enjoy seasonal produce, this raw asparagus pesto is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams asparagus (tough ends trimmed)
- 30 grams fresh basil leaves
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 40 grams pine nuts, toasted
- 1 large garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 80 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Rinse the asparagus thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Trim off the tough woody ends.
Cut the asparagus spears into 1-inch pieces to make them easier to blend.
In a food processor, combine the asparagus pieces, fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and the peeled garlic clove.
Pulse the mixture a few times until coarsely combined.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Begin blending the mixture while slowly drizzling in the extra virgin olive oil. Process until the pesto reaches your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Transfer the asparagus pesto to a serving bowl or jar. Serve immediately with pasta, bread, or vegetables, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
918 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.3 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 2036 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.0 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 27.2 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 671 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 683 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.
