Quick Spinach Basil Pesto Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant spinach pesto is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic basil version. With fresh spinach and basil blended into a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a fresh green boost for any meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh spinach (packed)
• ¼ cup fresh basil (packed)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place spinach, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor.
2. Step 2: Blend until the mixture forms a thick, smooth paste.
3. Step 3: If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add more olive oil and blend again until desired texture is reached.
4. Step 4: Taste the pesto and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• Swap pine nuts for walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor and texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

Storage

Store the pesto in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To keep it bright green, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. Reheat gently by stirring into warm pasta or spreading on hot toast; avoid high heat to preserve the fresh flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze spinach pesto?

Yes, spinach pesto freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or ice cube trays for easy portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Is spinach pesto healthy?

Spinach pesto is a nutritious option, packed with vitamins from spinach and healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. It’s a great way to add greens to your diet while enjoying rich flavor.

Quick Spinach Basil Pesto Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

A vibrant and fresh Spinach Pesto recipe that combines fresh spinach, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese blended into a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Ready in just 10 minutes and easily customizable with different nuts.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spinach Pesto Ingredients

• 3 cups Fresh spinach (packed)
• ¼ cup Fresh basil (packed)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• ½ cup Pine nuts (or swap with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
• ¼ cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Extra virgin Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• ½ tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place fresh spinach, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper into a blender or food processor.
2. Blend to Paste: Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a thick, smooth paste with uniform consistency.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, gradually add more olive oil a little at a time while blending until you reach your desired thickness.
4. Season to Taste: Taste the pesto and add additional salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavor.
5. Serve or Store: Use immediately as a sauce or dip, or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Notes

• You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for different flavor profiles.
• For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or replace with a vegan alternative.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and vibrant color.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for pungency.
• Store pesto in an airtight container; drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to help preserve freshness.

Keywords: spinach pesto, pesto recipe, basil pesto, homemade pesto, Italian sauce, spinach sauce, quick pesto