Easy Spinach Pesto Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant spinach pesto is a fresh twist on the classic basil version, combining nutritious greens with rich pine nuts and Parmesan. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

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. Step 1: Put the spinach, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor.
2. Step 2: Blend until the mixture forms a thick paste.
3. Step 3: If you prefer a thinner consistency, slowly add more olive oil while blending until desired texture is reached.
4. Step 4: Taste your pesto and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
5. Step 5: Your spinach basil pesto is ready to enjoy. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Tips & Variations

• Swap pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different nutty flavor and texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan and increase the nuts slightly for richness.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright, fresh flavor.

Storage

Store your spinach pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent discoloration, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. Reheat by stirring into warm pasta or gently warming in a saucepan if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze spinach pesto?

Yes, spinach pesto freezes well. Portion it into ice cube trays or small containers, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 3 months for best flavor.

What can I use spinach pesto on?

Spinach pesto is versatile—it’s great tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or wraps, dolloped on grilled meats or vegetables, or used as a dip for bread and crackers.

Easy Spinach Pesto Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 50 reviews

This vibrant spinach pesto recipe combines fresh spinach, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese blended with olive oil and lemon juice to create a flavorful, versatile sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy way to elevate your meals with a burst of fresh, herbaceous taste.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Herbs and Greens

• 3 cups fresh spinach (packed)
• ¼ cup fresh basil (packed)

Flavorings and Nuts

• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios as alternatives)
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Oils

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Gather fresh spinach, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
2. Combine in blender or food processor: Place all the ingredients except the olive oil into the blender or food processor.
3. Blend to paste: Blend the mixture until it reaches a thick paste consistency.
4. Adjust texture: If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil gradually and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Season to taste: Taste the pesto and add additional salt and pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
6. Store: Transfer the pesto to a closed container and refrigerate. It can be kept fresh in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

• You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios without significantly altering the flavor.
• If you prefer a nuttier or creamier pesto, lightly toast the nuts before blending.
• Use this pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, a topping for grilled meats or vegetables, or a dip.
• Store pesto airtight in the fridge to maintain its freshness and prevent oxidation.
• Adding lemon juice not only enhances flavor but also helps preserve the green color.

Keywords: spinach pesto, pesto recipe, spinach sauce, Italian pesto, quick pesto, basil pesto alternative, healthy pesto