Published August 17th 2012 Updated February 1st 2024

Spinach Basil and Pine Nut Pesto will transform pasta, bread, pizza and beyond into an Italian-inspired feast. Fresh and chocked full of robust flavors it’s a healthy and delicious busy day meal option that the whole family will love.

Easy Spinach Basil Pine Nut Pesto

This fresh pesto is packed with flavor and a bright green color to boot! toss if with warm pasta for a side dish, serve it as a dip with warm bread or as a condiment on steak, pork and seafood. How to make Spinach Basil Pine Nut Pesto: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pine nuts onto a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 6-7 minutes until golden, then set aside to cool.
In a large food processor, place the pine nuts, spinach, basil, onion, shredded cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, garlic cloves, pepper and red pepper flakes.
Pulse a few times, and the mixture will begin to process.
Drizzle the olive oil in through the tube at the top. Stop and scrape the side of the bowl at least once so, that everything blends together.
Use immediately tossed over warm pasta, as a spread for toasted garlic bread or as a dip.
Chill tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How to Make the BEST Spinach Basil Pine Nut Pesto Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Basil Pesto: Toasted pine nuts, baby spinach, fresh basil, red onion, shredded parmesan-romano cheese, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, lemon zest, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, olive oil.
Kitchen tools you’ll need: Food processor or stand blender, cheese grater, sheet pan measuring cups and spoons, sharp knife and cutting board.
Toasting the pine nuts adds a depth of flavor to the basil pesto overall. It’s well worth the small amount of effort that it takes to do so, don’t skip it.
Fresh spinach and basil should be super fresh. Remove any wilted leaves or brown spots.
The same rule applies to the basil. Use fresh bright green basil with no blemishes.
How to serve Basil Pesto: You can serve this as a sauce on grilled meat, chicken, pork or seafood. You can also toss it with warm pasta and enjoy it as a meal or a side dish with your favorite Italian entrées. It’s scrumptious served with cream cheese and pita chips as a spread or an alternate for dipping mozzarella sticks. The sky’s the limit!
Spinach Basil Pine Nut Pesto is a fresh sauce. Due to this it should be stored chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

More Easy Sauces and Condiments to Make

My recipe for Copycat Chick Fil A Sauce is simple to make using pantry staples.
Homemade Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce is the perfect option for dressing pork, chicken. kabobs, brisket and beyond.
My Special Burger Sauce is another copycat recipe you can make at home.
Homemade Cocktail Sauce for your next back of peel and eat shrimp.
The best ever Ranchero Sauce recipe.
Southern Comeback Sauce is delicious for dipping seafood, chicken, vegetables and more.
Japanese Steakhouse Yum Yum Sauce.
Copycat Popeyes’s Blackened Ranch from Low Carb Spark.

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