Herb-Infused Pesto Marinade
Elevate your protein game with this vibrant Herb-Infused Pesto Marinade. Packed with fresh basil, aromatic rosemary, and zesty lemon juice, this marinade is a flavor powerhouse that complements chicken, shrimp, and steak beautifully, whether grilled or sautéed. Its versatility doesn’t stop at meat; use it as a flavorful dressing for roasted or sautéed vegetables to add a burst of fresh Italian flavor to any dish. Prepare to impress your family and guests with a marinade that enhances every bite.
8
Servings
124
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2-1 cup (extra virgin recommended)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
fresh basil leaves
10-15 leaves (washed and torn)
garlic cloves
3 cloves (peeled)
fresh rosemary leaves
20 leaves (removed from sprigs)
green onions or chives
1 pinch or 1 large (chopped)
salt
to taste (kosher or sea salt recommended)
pepper
to taste (freshly ground if possible)
Instructions
1
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, rosemary leaves, green onions or chives, salt, and pepper.
2
Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and well-integrated consistency.
3
Pour the marinade over your choice of meat and ensure it is evenly coated.
4
Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours for optimal flavor infusion.
5
When ready to cook, remove the meat from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
6
Grill on a barbecue or sauté in olive oil until cooked to your desired doneness.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Herb-Infused Pesto Marinade?
It is a vibrant flavor powerhouse made with fresh basil, rosemary, and lemon juice designed to enhance meats and vegetables.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The ingredients include olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, garlic, rosemary, green onions or chives, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How much olive oil should I use?
The recipe suggests using between 1/2 to 1 cup of olive oil.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best zesty results.
How many basil leaves are required?
You should use 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves, washed and torn.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 peeled garlic cloves.
How much rosemary is needed?
Use 20 fresh rosemary leaves removed from the sprigs.
Can I substitute green onions for anything else?
Yes, you can use one large green onion or a pinch of chopped chives.
How long should I marinate the meat?
Refrigerate the meat in the marinade for 4 to 8 hours for optimal flavor infusion.
What proteins work best with this marinade?
It complements chicken, shrimp, and steak beautifully.
How do I cook the marinated meat?
You can grill it on a barbecue or sauté it in olive oil until it reaches your desired doneness.
Should I reuse the marinade?
No, discard any excess marinade that has been in contact with raw meat.
Can this be used on vegetables?
Yes, it works as a flavorful dressing for roasted or sautéed vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 124 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 1.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the marinade?
There is approximately 0.4 grams of protein per serving.
Is this marinade vegan?
Yes, all of the ingredients in this marinade recipe are vegan.
Is the marinade gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is it suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, it is keto-friendly due to its high fat and very low carbohydrate content.
Does this marinade contain nuts?
No, this recipe is nut-free, unlike some traditional pesto recipes.
What kind of salt should I use?
Kosher or sea salt is recommended for the best flavor.
Should I use fresh pepper?
Freshly ground pepper is suggested to enhance the aroma.
Do I need a blender?
A high-speed blender or food processor is necessary to ensure the herbs are well-integrated.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for meal prep to add flavor to your weekly proteins.
Is the marinade spicy?
No, it is savory and herb-forward rather than spicy.
Can I use it as a salad dressing?
Yes, its vibrant Italian flavor makes it a great dressing for salads or vegetables.