Zesto Pesto
Elevate your culinary creations with 'Zesto Pesto', a vibrant twist on the classic pesto recipe! This 10-minute, no-cook masterpiece combines the fragrant freshness of basil with the nutty richness of toasted pine nuts, a zesty kick of lemon zest and juice, and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil for a luxuriously smooth texture, and season with garlic, salt, and black pepper for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Perfect as a sauce for pasta, a spread on sandwiches, or even a dip, this quick and versatile recipe adds a burst of irresistible Mediterranean flair to any dish. With its bright, citrusy notes and creamy finish, 'Zesto Pesto' will quickly become your go-to for fresh, zesty indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (loosely packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Toast the pine nuts: In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
Prepare the basil: Rinse and dry the fresh basil leaves thoroughly. Remove any large stems.
Blend the ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon zest. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
Add the liquids: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Process until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
Season the pesto: Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serve or store: Use immediately as a sauce for pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip. Alternatively, transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
409 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.9 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 543 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.4 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 9.2 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 241 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 125 mg | 3% | |
*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.
