Super Spinach Pesto
Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant and nutrient-packed Super Spinach Pesto! Combining the earthy goodness of fresh baby spinach and aromatic basil leaves, this quick and easy pesto recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Toasted pine nuts, creamy Parmesan cheese, and zesty lemon juice create a deliciously rich and tangy flavor profile, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil transforms it into a velvety sauce. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted veggies, this no-cook recipe is as versatile as it is delightful. Whether you're seeking a healthy sauce alternative or a way to elevate simple dishes, this homemade spinach pesto promises a fresh and irresistible twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.33 cup pine nuts
- 2 whole garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the baby spinach and basil leaves.
Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a food processor, combine the spinach, basil, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients a few times to coarsely blend them.
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the pesto, and pulse again to incorporate.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1612 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.8 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.2 g | 171% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 2606 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 41.0 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 980 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 758 mg | 16% | |
*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.
