Pine Nut Pesto

This fresh Pine Nut Pesto is a quick, vibrant sauce made with fresh basil, spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan-romano, garlic, and olive oil that's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, pizza, and more.

Course Appetizer, Sauce

Cuisine American, Italian Inspired, Southern

Keyword pine-nut-pesto

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 17

Servings 1/4 cup servings

Calories 236kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup pine nuts toasted
3 cups firmly packed baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup packed fresh basil
2 Tbsp chopped red onion
1 cup shredded parmesan-romano cheese (OR Parmesan cheese)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt (sea salt or table salt)
1 tsp lemon zest
4-6 medium garlic cloves peeled
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

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 in short bursts 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 in an airtight container until using.

Notes

Toasting Pine Nuts - 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.
Nuts - You can also make pesto with walnuts, pistachios, almonds or pecans.
Use Fresh Spinach - Fresh spinach should be super fresh. Remove any wilted leaves or brown spots. You could use kale for a stronger flavor.
Oil - You can use extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil. Olive oil will give you the best flavor.
Use Fresh Basil Leaves - The same rule applies to the basil. Use fresh bright green basil with no blemishes.
Basil - You can also make pesto using fresh cilantro or parsley.
How to Serve Basil Pesto - You can serve this pesto as a sauce on grilled meat, chicken, pork or seafood like pesto salmon. You can also toss this pesto with your favorite variety of pasta as a hot pesto pasta for an entree or a side dish with your favorite Italian entrées. It’s scrumptious served with cream cheese and pita chips as an appetizer spread or an alternate for dipping mozzarella sticks. The sky’s the limit for serving fresh basil pesto!

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