Craving something flavorful but still want to keep it light? These 4 pesto recipes are your answer! It’s loaded with fresh herbs, nuts, and good-for-you oils that make any meal taste amazing without the guilt. Whether you’re mixing it into some zucchini noodles, spreading it on toast, or just dipping veggies into it, healthy pesto is an easy way to level up your nutrition game. Ready to get inspired? Let’s check out some delicious and feel-good pesto recipes!
1. Sicilian Pesto
For our first recipe, let’s dive into the vibrant world of red pesto! This delicious twist on the classic swaps out pine nuts for almonds and adds juicy tomatoes for a fresh, Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on crusty bread, or using it as a dip, Sicilian pesto brings bold flavors and a touch of sunny Italy to your plate. Ready to get started? Let’s whip up this simple and authentic recipe!
Ingredients
- Fresh Basil: 60 g
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 45 g (about 1/4 cup)
- Red Chili Peppers: 1 or 2 small peppers or a pinch of
cayenne pepper
- Olive Oil: 12 cl
- Grated Pecorino: 35 g (about 1/3 cup)
- Roasted Almonds: 30 g
- Garlic Cloves: 2
Instructions
- Combine basil leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, red chili peppers, garlic cloves, grated Pecorino cheese, and roasted almonds in your blender.
- Slowly add olive oil while pulsing until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
2. Nettle Pesto
Nettle Pesto introduces an unexpected ingredient that adds a unique twist to the classic pesto recipe. Nettles bring a vibrant taste, reminiscent of earthy green vegetables, to your culinary creations. Here's how to create this tasty pesto:
Ingredients
- Blanched Nettles: 60 g (about 1 cup, blanched)
- Olive Oil: 12 cl
- Pine Nuts: 30 g
- Grated Parmesan: 50 g
- Garlic Cloves: 2
Instructions
- Blanch nettle leaves in boiling water for a few seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to preserve their bright green color.
- Combine blanched nettle leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan in your blender.
- Slowly pour in extra virgin olive oil while pulsing until a smooth texture is obtained.
- Adjust with salt and pepper according to your preferences.
3. Our Best Lemon Pesto Recipe: Pesto Verde
For our next recipe, let’s mix things up with a zesty twist – lemon pesto! This refreshing blend combines fresh basil, tangy lemon zest, and a hint of garlic for a flavor that’s bright and vibrant. Perfect for drizzling over salads, spreading on sandwiches, or even as a dip, lemon pesto recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients
- Fresh Parsley: 30 g (about 1/2 cup)
- Fresh Basil: 30 g (about 1/2 cup)
- Baby Spinach: 60 g (about 1 cup)
- Olive Oil: 12 cl
- Grated Pecorino: 35 g (about 1/3 cup)
- Roasted Cashew Nuts: 30 g
- Lemon Juice: 15 ml (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic Cloves: 2
Instructions
- Combine parsley leaves, basil leaves, baby spinach leaves, garlic cloves, grated Pecorino cheese, and roasted almonds in your blender.
- Add fresh lemon juice for a tangy touch.
- Slowly add extra virgin olive oil while pulsing until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
4. Parsley Pesto
Finally, we have the classic Parsley Pesto, which highlights the vibrant flavors of parsley. This different pesto recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with pasta, fish, grilled vegetables, or as a spread on bruschetta. Here's how to prepare this delicious creation:
Ingredients
- Fresh Parsley: 60 g (about 1 cup)
- Olive Oil: 12 cl
- Pine Nuts: 30 g
- Grated Parmesan: 50 g
- Garlic Cloves: 2
Instructions
- Blend together parsley leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan in your blender.
- Gradually pour in extra virgin olive oil while pulsing until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
5. You're probably wondering: How long does pesto last ?
Wondering how long you can keep that delicious pesto in your fridge? It usually lasts about 5 to 7 days when stored in an airtight container. To help it stay fresh longer, add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing it. This helps prevent browning and keeps the flavor vibrant. If you want to extend its life, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. How long does pesto last? Now you know – just be sure to store it right and enjoy every last spoonful!
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