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Quick Spinach Basil Pesto 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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