Fresh Basil Spinach Pesto
Have you ever experienced a burst of vibrant flavors that instantly elevate your dishes? Fresh Pesto, with its zesty, aromatic charm, is here to deliver precisely that. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pasta sauce, an enticing sandwich spread, or a delectable topping for your favorite dishes, this homemade basil pesto is an absolute game-changer.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE FRESH BASIL PESTO
- The Freshest of Ingredients: Picture plucking fragrant basil leaves from your garden (or your local store) and blending them with baby spinach, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. It doesn’t get any fresher than this.
- Versatile Sauce Magic: Fresh Pesto isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s your go-to recipe for pasta salads, pizza bases, grilled chicken, sandwiches, and so much more. This homemade basil pesto will become your culinary secret weapon.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your pesto from scratch. With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty food processor, you’ll achieve the best pesto you’ve ever tasted.
- Endless Creativity: This basil pesto’s versatility means you can tweak it to match your preferences. Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick or some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. It’s your pesto, your rules.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and zero cooking, this fresh basil pesto is the ultimate choice for busy weeknight dinners, spontaneous gatherings, or whenever your taste buds demand a flavor explosion.
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE FRESH BASIL PESTO
- Fresh basil
- Fresh baby spinach
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Lemon juice (yuzu for a tangy kick)
- Pepper
- Pine nuts
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE FRESH BASIL PESTO
- Food processor
HOW TO MAKE FRESH BASIL PESTO
- Combine fresh basil, fresh baby spinach, olive oil, kosher salt, lemon juice, pepper, and pine nuts in your food processor.
- Blend until you achieve a smooth and vibrant green pesto that’s brimming with fresh flavor.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I store and reheat fresh pesto?
Fresh pesto stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, you can add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. When reheating, there’s no need to cook it. Simply let it return to room temperature, and it’s good to go.
Can I freeze leftover pesto?
Absolutely! If you have some leftover fresh basil pesto, freezing it in ice cube trays or freezer bags is a smart choice. These little pesto cubes can be a lifesaver when you need a burst of flavor for your dishes.
What are some creative ways to use fresh pesto?
Fresh pesto is incredibly versatile. Use it as a pasta sauce, a marinade for chicken or fish, a dip for crusty bread, or even as a unique pizza sauce. Experiment with its flavors to create exciting new dishes.
Can I use a different type of nut for this recipe?
Certainly! You can use various nuts in place of pine nuts in your pesto. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, and sunflower seeds are all great alternatives. Simply substitute them in equal amounts to your recipe’s requirement for pine nuts. This allows you to tailor the flavor and texture of your pesto to your preference or dietary needs.
Fresh Basil Spinach Pesto
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 ½ cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Juice of 1 lemon yuzu for an extra kick
- Pinch of pepper
- ½ cup pine nuts
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until a smooth pesto is achieved.
Nutrition
Fresh Pesto is a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s within your reach. This homemade basil pesto is not only bursting with fresh flavors but also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Embrace the freedom of creative cooking and let this vibrant pesto become your secret weapon in the kitchen. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, your dishes are about to reach new heights with the unbeatable fresh pesto recipe.
