Spinach Basil Pesto with Almonds
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Servings
2 cups
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Calories
709 kcal
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Course
Condiments
Spinach Basil Pesto with Almonds
Description
This pesto begins with fresh spinach and basil leaves for a leafy, bright green base. Almonds replace pine nuts, offering a mild, earthy crunch. Fresh garlic cloves add pungency balanced by the sharp, salty Parmesan cheese. Lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice brighten the flavor and cut richness. Olive oil emulsifies the ingredients into a smooth, spreadable sauce seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
The ingredients are combined and pulsed in a food processor until the pesto is mostly smooth but retains some texture, preventing it from becoming too liquid. This preparation can be served tossed with pasta, as a spread for bread or sandwiches, or as a drizzle over grilled vegetables or meats to add fresh herbal flavor.
The pesto should be stored in an airtight container, with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and preserve the vibrant color for 5 to 7 days refrigerated.
Prepare all ingredients measured before blending for efficient assembly.The olive oil drizzle on top during storage helps reduce browning.This pesto variant uses almonds which provide a different texture and flavor than pine nuts.
Ingredients
- 3 cups spinach about 3 hand-fulls, fresh
- 1 cup basil about 1 hand-full, fresh
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 cup almonds unsalted
- lemon zest of one
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Measure all the ingredients out before beginning.
- Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor.
- Start pulsing slowly a few times until you have chunks and all the ingredients start to combine.
- Blend until combined.
Bom Apetite!!
Notes
- Store pesto covered with a thin olive oil layer in the fridge for 5 to 7 days to maintain freshness and color.
- Measure all ingredients before blending for a quick, smooth process.
- Almonds can be substituted or roasted lightly if desired for deeper flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 709 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 709kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 70g | 108% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 47g | 235% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 476mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 498mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 5070IU | 101% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 344mg | 34% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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