Savory Spinach & Nut Pesto
Elevate your dishes with this Savory Spinach & Nut Pesto that’s as versatile as it is delicious. This vibrant green sauce harnesses the freshness of spinach and parsley, enriched with the nutty flavors of walnuts or pine nuts, and finished with fragrant garlic and robust Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a pasta sauce, a dip, or a spread, this pesto is quick to whip up and keeps well in the fridge, ready to add a burst of flavor to your favorite meals. Impress your family and friends while enjoying the health benefits of this nutrient-packed delight!
N/A
Servings
325
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh spinach leaves
2 cups (well-washed and stemmed)
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (preferably Italian flat leaf)
Walnuts or Pine nuts
1/2 cup (toasted)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated, not canned)
Garlic cloves
3 (peeled)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for blending and topping)
Sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and stem-separating the fresh spinach leaves and parsley.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the walnuts or pine nuts until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3
In a food processor, combine the spinach, parsley, toasted nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
4
Pulse the mixture until it reaches a fine paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even blending.
5
Taste your pesto and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or olive oil if desired.
6
Transfer the pesto to a clean glass container, smoothing the top, and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to help prevent discoloration.
7
Seal the container and store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several weeks.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach & Nut Pesto?
It is a vibrant, nutrient-packed green sauce made from fresh spinach, parsley, toasted nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach leaves, Italian flat leaf parsley, toasted walnuts or pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
Can I use walnuts instead of pine nuts?
Yes, the recipe allows for either walnuts or pine nuts depending on your preference or availability.
How do I toast the nuts for the pesto?
Toast the nuts in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden and fragrant.
Is this pesto recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat, though it does include Parmesan cheese which is a dairy product.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including spinach, nuts, and cheese, are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving of this pesto?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
What is the fat content of the Savory Spinach & Nut Pesto?
A single serving contains 27.5g of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The recipe provides about 8.75g of protein per serving.
Can I use canned Parmesan cheese?
The recipe recommends using freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than canned for the best flavor and texture.
How should I store the leftover pesto?
Store the pesto in a clean glass container in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil drizzled on top to prevent discoloration.
How long does the pesto stay fresh in the fridge?
When properly sealed and refrigerated, the pesto will keep for several weeks.
What equipment do I need to make this pesto?
You will need a skillet for toasting the nuts and a food processor to blend the ingredients into a paste.
How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?
Smoothing the top of the pesto and drizzling a layer of olive oil over it before sealing the container helps prevent discoloration.
How many garlic cloves are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 peeled garlic cloves.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both blending into the sauce and topping the container.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 2 cups of well-washed and stemmed fresh spinach leaves.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no sugar according to the nutritional breakdown.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this pesto?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this be used as a dip?
Yes, this pesto is versatile and works perfectly as a pasta sauce, a dip, or a sandwich spread.
What type of parsley is best for this recipe?
Fresh Italian flat leaf parsley is the preferred choice for this pesto.
How do I prepare the spinach leaves?
The spinach should be thoroughly washed and the stems should be removed before blending.
How do I achieve the right texture?
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor and scrape down the sides periodically until a fine paste is formed.
Is it possible to adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the pesto after pulsing and add more salt, pepper, or olive oil to suit your preference.
Is this an Italian cuisine dish?
Yes, this recipe is categorized under Italian cuisine tags.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, adjusted to taste.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
While a food processor is recommended for texture, a blender can be used if you pulse carefully to avoid over-processing.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is a quick recipe that only involves light toasting and simple blending.
What is the serving size?
While the specific serving size is not defined in the raw data, the nutrition is calculated based on standard pesto serving proportions.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan-friendly cheese substitute.