I don’t often make pesto (it’s so easy to find in stores) but when I want something that has an outstanding freshness and flavour — and no unexpected or unnecessary ingredients — this is my go-to spinach and basil recipe (vegan and nut-free versions included) …
Ingredients:
1 packed cup of fresh spinach
1 packed cup of fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts (if nut-free, use sunflower seeds)
1/3 cup parmesan cheese (if vegan, use 3-4 tablespoons of nutritional yeast)
2 – 3 chopped, garlic cloves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
a good pinch of salt and pepper
3/4 cup (approx.) olive oil — more/less can be used, it just depends on what texture/consistency is preferred
Directions:
Place all ingredients, except for the olive oil, into a food processor and process until finely minced.
While the food processor is still running, add the olive oil a little at a time until the preferred smoothness is achieved. I usually do a taste test at this point to see if I need to add more oil, salt or garlic, etc which you can easily do.
Use or serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
Enjoy!
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That is a great recipe. Quite simple. Need to try this next time I make pasta.
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It’s so easy and super tasty — I hope you do give it a go!
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I love pesto and this sounds so easy! Thanks for sharing this recipe. I’ll have to try it.
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I love pesto too, I use it in all sorts of things! If you give it a try, I hope you like it!
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This pesto looks and sounds so good! I’ve never made pesto, I agree it’s so easy to find in stores. But I’m gonna try making this, it looks so fresh!
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Definitely give it a go at home as it tastes so much fresher than store bought (although there are some great ones out there)!
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Sounds delicious, I’m going to have to try this recipe soon.
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It’s so good I’ll be making it again tomorrow! I hope you like it when you give it a try!
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I absolutely ADORE pesto and my husband and I like to make this delicious pesto chicken pasta meal – but I’ve always just done store-bought. Now I’m thinking I need to try my hand at making it myself. I’m sure it would make the dish even better!
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Definitely give homemade a go — it’s so fresh it adds a different level of flavour. Store bought pesto is generally pretty good and I use it a lot but when I want something to really elevate a dish I’m making I use this recipe. So tasty!
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Oh I love pesto! This recipe sounds wonderful and oh so fresh!
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It’s delicious and a staple to have around as it can be used in so many different ways!
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I’ve never thought about making pesto before, but this sounds so good! I definitely need to give it a go xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
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It’s really easy, and if you ever want something super fresh give this a try!
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This sounds fresh and delicious! I’ll need to try this pesto recipe.
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I hope you do get to try it as it’s so delicious!
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I love pesto and this sounds right up my street xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
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It’s so good I make it as much as I can because the freshness really makes a difference!
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I’ve never made my own pesto, but you’re right, it does seem easy to make. Also, thanks for putting the ingredients and directions front and centre in the post. I hate having to scroll through a novel just to find the ingredients
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It frustrates me when I am looking at recipes on other blogs that you have to keep scrolling and scrolling to get to the recipe, mine will always be just straight to the point! Thank you so much for stopping by — I hope you try making your own pesto!
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This sounds delicious – and super healthy too with spinach. I used to make mint pesto but stopped after my daughter complained it was like eating toothpaste pasta! I’ll have to try your recipe instead now, thank you 🙂
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I love the spinach in this as I think it makes it a more substantial sauce that can be used in a number of ways — I hope you get to try it out!
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Yum! I love pesto and this recipe sounds so delicious! Thanks so much for sharing!
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I’m going to be making it again on the weekend — so yum! Thanks for stopping by!
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I love pesto, and this looks absolutely amazing! Definitely going to try this 🙂
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I’m so glad you like the recipe — I hope you enjoy it!
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This sounds really lovely. I love pesto pasta, thank you for sharing.
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It’s so great stirred through some pasta — one of my favourites too!
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So quick and easy, it’s great for colder weather also ☺️
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Yes! It’s the perfect meal to eat to get all cosy!
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YUM! This is such a quick and easy recipe. I’ve been looking at pesto recipes so I’m glad I stumbled upon this one.
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It’s super quick and so tasty — I make it fairly regularly and love how fresh it is!
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Omg, this looks sooo good!! Love pine nuts too!! I like how you give options for substitution!! Will save it and try next time we are going to make pasta!!
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I love pesto for the flavor but also for it’s diversity. You can do all kinds of substitutions and it’ll still be good (I sometimes use kale instead of spinach, for example). Thanks for stopping by!
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