Vibrant Asparagus Pesto
Elevate your culinary experience with this deliciously fresh and vibrant Asparagus Pesto. Packed with nutrients, this raw pesto not only provides an abundance of Vitamin A and folic acid—essential for overall health—but also highlights the crisp, earthy flavor of asparagus. Perfect as a dip for crudités, a spread on toasted bread, or a zesty topping for grilled meats and fish, this recipe is an excellent way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Originating from one of my favorite resources, Organic Gardening, it's a fantastic addition to any wholesome meal, ensuring you get the best of nature's bounty.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Asparagus
1 1/4 cups (diced)
Garlic Cloves
3 (peeled)
Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup (as needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the fresh asparagus under cold water and trimming off the woody ends.
2
Place the diced asparagus, garlic cloves, and grated parmesan cheese into the bowl of a food processor.
3
Pulse the mixture until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even processing.
4
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency—smooth or chunky, depending on your preference.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt or pepper to enhance the flavor.
6
Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve cold, as a dip, spread, or topping for your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Asparagus Pesto?
Vibrant Asparagus Pesto is a fresh, raw spread made from asparagus, garlic, parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are 1 1/4 cups of diced fresh asparagus, 3 garlic cloves, 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Is the asparagus cooked for this pesto?
No, this is a raw pesto recipe where the asparagus is processed fresh without cooking.
How should I prepare the asparagus before blending?
Rinse the asparagus under cold water, trim off the woody ends, and dice the stalks.
Can I use a blender if I do not have a food processor?
Yes, a blender can be used, though a food processor is recommended to better control the texture of the pesto.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I achieve the right consistency?
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until it reaches your preferred smooth or chunky consistency.
Does this pesto need to be chilled?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the pesto in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the nutritional benefits of asparagus pesto?
It is packed with Vitamin A and folic acid, which are essential for overall health.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
What can I serve with Asparagus Pesto?
It works perfectly as a dip for crudites, a spread on toasted bread, or a topping for grilled meats and fish.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originates from Organic Gardening, a resource for wholesome and natural meals.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 peeled garlic cloves.
Is this pesto served hot or cold?
This pesto is intended to be served cold.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use this as a pasta sauce?
Yes, it makes an excellent and zesty topping for freshly cooked pasta.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the pesto stay fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, it should stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Should I peel the garlic?
Yes, the garlic cloves should be peeled before being placed in the food processor.
Can I add nuts to this pesto?
While not in the original recipe, you can add pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
What kind of olive oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor and health benefits.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is highly recommended to maintain the crisp, earthy flavor intended for this raw dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, because it is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, it is keto-friendly.
Do I need to add salt?
You should taste the pesto after blending and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
What texture should the pesto be?
The texture can be adjusted to your liking, ranging from chunky to completely smooth.
Can I freeze asparagus pesto?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container or ice cube trays for later use.
Does this pesto help with getting more greens?
Yes, it is an excellent way to incorporate raw greens into your diet in a flavorful way.
What if the pesto is too thick?
If the pesto is too thick, simply drizzle in a little more extra virgin olive oil while processing.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it can be used as a flavorful marinade or finish for grilled fish and poultry.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as nutrient-rich, healthy, and made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.