Broccoli Pesto
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
7 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
5
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Calories
127 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Broccoli Pesto
Description
Broccoli Pesto uses fresh-flavored broccoli steamed until tender without direct water contact, preserving its bright green color and mild taste. Combined with tightly packed basil leaves, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, Parmesan cheese or a miso substitute, and a little water, the blend comes together in a blender until smooth. The result is a pesto richer and greener than traditional nut-based versions, with vegetal sweetness and acidity from lemon balancing the savory elements.
The blending process ensures a silky texture capable of coating pasta evenly or adding moisture and flavor to sandwiches. The use of Parmesan cheese contributes a salty, nutty depth, while optional white miso offers an umami twist. Fresh garlic and lemon juice enhance brightness, and olive oil lends smoothness and richness.
This pesto is ready to serve immediately or can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days. Its versatile flavor profile pairs well with a variety of dishes, from simple pasta or grilled bread to vegetable bowls. The relatively simple ingredient list and steaming step highlight the broccoli’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli 4 ounces, chopped florets
- 1 cup basil tightly packed (23 grams, fresh
- 2 garlic 5 grams, cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice 28 grams, fresh
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (53 grams)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt 5 grams, sea salt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese 35 grams; or 1 tablespoon white miso, grated
- 2 tablespoons water (25 grams)
Instructions
- To prepare the broccoli, fill a small saucepan with 1-inch of water and arrange a steamer basket inside. Add the broccoli to the steamer basket, keeping it lifted up out of the water, and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover, cooking until the broccoli is easily pierced with a fork, about 8 minutes.
- While the broccoli is cooking, you can add the rest of the pesto ingredients to a blender to be efficient with your time. When the broccoli is done, add it to the blender and blend until smooth, about 60 seconds.
- Taste and adjust any seasoning, as needed. Serve right away with your favorite pasta, or on a sandwich. Store the leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- The nutrition estimate assumes about a 1/4 cup serving size from approximately 1 1/4 cups of pesto made.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 127 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 127kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 432mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 89mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 410IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.