Zesty Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Elevate your meals with this vibrant Zesty Pumpkin Seed Pesto! Bursting with the flavors of fresh basil and parsley, combined with nutty roasted pumpkin seeds, this pesto is a delightful twist on the traditional recipe. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds creaminess while lemon juice and zest infuse the sauce with a zesty freshness, making it perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. Quick and easy to make, this recipe yields 1 1/2 cups of this delicious, versatile pesto that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
6
Servings
112
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
hulled roasted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup (hulled and roasted)
fresh-grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (freshly grated)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
basil
1 cup (fresh leaves)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (fresh leaves)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
lemon zest
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (high quality)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine hulled roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh-grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until the pumpkin seeds are finely ground.
2
Add the fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest to the food processor.
3
With the food processor running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well combined, but still retains some texture.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if desired.
5
Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve over pasta, on sandwiches, or as a dip for fresh veggies.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
3g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Pumpkin Seed Pesto?
Zesty Pumpkin Seed Pesto is a vibrant, nut-free alternative to traditional pesto made with roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh basil, parsley, and lemon juice.
How do I make Zesty Pumpkin Seed Pesto?
Combine roasted pumpkin seeds, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor, add herbs and lemon, then slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until the desired texture is reached.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include hulled roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh-grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many calories are in a serving of this pesto?
There are approximately 112 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the total yield of the Zesty Pumpkin Seed Pesto recipe?
The recipe yields approximately 1 1/2 cups of pesto.
Is this pumpkin seed pesto recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Is this pesto nut-free?
Yes, because it uses pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts or walnuts, it is a nut-free pesto option.
How should I store the pesto?
Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
How long does this pesto last in the fridge?
The pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What can I serve with Zesty Pumpkin Seed Pesto?
It is perfect for serving over pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Can I use raw pumpkin seeds instead of roasted?
While you can use raw seeds, roasted seeds provide a deeper, nuttier flavor that defines this recipe.
What kind of olive oil is best for this recipe?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
Does this recipe contain any carbohydrates?
Yes, there are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
What role does lemon zest play in the pesto?
Lemon zest provides a bright, zesty freshness that balances the richness of the oil and seeds.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
Do I need to peel the garlic first?
Yes, the 2 garlic cloves should be peeled before adding them to the food processor.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender can work, though you should pulse carefully to maintain some texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste the final mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
What category of meal does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 peeled garlic cloves.
How much basil is needed?
You will need 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh parsley leaves.
What is the preparation for the pumpkin seeds?
The pumpkin seeds should be hulled and roasted.
Is this pesto considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to the nutrient-dense seeds and fresh herbs.
Can I freeze this pesto?
Yes, pesto freezes well in airtight containers or ice cube trays for future use.
How do I ensure the texture is correct?
Slowly pour the olive oil while the processor is running until the mixture is combined but still retains some texture.