Pesto is a beloved Italian sauce known for its fresh, herbaceous flavors and versatility in the kitchen. While traditional pesto relies heavily on basil, incorporating spinach adds a nutritious twist, making it even more vibrant and rich in flavor. Spinach Basil Pesto is not just a healthier alternative; it also provides a milder taste, making it a perfect complement to a variety of dishes.
Why You’ll Love Spinach Basil Pesto
- Loaded with Nutrients – Spinach is high in iron, vitamins A and C, and powerful antioxidants.
- Vibrant & Fresh Flavor – The combination of basil and spinach creates a perfect balance of earthy and aromatic notes.
- Incredibly Versatile – Use it in pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a dip for crusty bread.
By making Spinach Basil Pesto, you’re giving your meals a wholesome, nutrient-rich boost without compromising on taste. Whether you spread it on sandwiches, drizzle it over grilled veggies, or toss it with pasta, this pesto is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
If you’re a fan of pesto-based dishes, check out our Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta for another delicious recipe idea!
What You’ll Need: Essential Tools for Spinach Basil Pesto
Making Spinach Basil Pesto at home is incredibly simple, but having the right tools can make the process even smoother. Here’s everything you need to whip up this fresh and flavorful sauce.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Food Processor or Blender – The key to achieving a smooth and creamy pesto consistency.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Spatula – Helps scrape down the sides of the blender for an even blend.
Optional But Helpful
- Mortar and Pestle – If you prefer a more traditional method, this will help create a rustic, textured pesto.
- Airtight Storage Container – Keeps your pesto fresh for days in the fridge or months in the freezer.
Having these tools ready will make the process effortless and enjoyable, allowing you to create a perfectly blended Spinach Basil Pesto every time!
Ingredients: Fresh & Flavorful Components for Spinach Basil Pesto
The secret to a delicious Spinach Basil Pesto lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and texture of the pesto.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach – Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor while boosting the nutritional value.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves – The classic pesto herb that provides its signature aroma and taste.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings a rich, umami depth to the sauce.
- ⅓ cup toasted walnuts (or pine nuts) – Adds a nutty crunch and creamy texture.
- 2 garlic cloves – Enhances the pesto with a bold, aromatic kick.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – Creates a smooth and silky consistency.
- Juice of ½ lemon – Brightens the pesto with a fresh citrusy zing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Optional Additions
- Red pepper flakes – For a little heat.
- Nutritional yeast – A great vegan alternative to Parmesan cheese.
- Avocado – Adds extra creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.
Using these ingredients, you’ll create a Spinach Basil Pesto that’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. If you love experimenting with pesto, you might also enjoy this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Instructions: How to Make Spinach Basil Pesto
Making Spinach Basil Pesto is incredibly easy and quick. With just a few simple steps, you can have a fresh batch of pesto ready to elevate any dish. Follow these instructions for a perfectly blended pesto every time!
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the Spinach and Basil: Rinse both the spinach and basil leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Toast the Walnuts: In a dry pan, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden. This will bring out their natural oils and enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Pesto
- Add to the Food Processor: Place the spinach, basil, toasted walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese into a food processor or blender.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Pulse the ingredients a few times until they begin to combine.
- Blend Until Smooth: Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more olive oil, a tablespoon at a time, until smooth.
Step 3: Season and Store
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to taste, and pulse once more to incorporate.
- Store or Serve: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate if you plan to store it for later use. If serving immediately, enjoy it over pasta, pizza, or as a dip for bread!
Once your Spinach Basil Pesto is ready, you can drizzle it on anything from grilled pizza to pasta dishes. For another pesto-inspired meal, try this Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta for a unique twist!
Nutrition Score: A Healthy and Nutritious Spinach Basil Pesto
Spinach Basil Pesto isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that benefit your health. This recipe is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a great choice for a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving:
Nutritional Breakdown (per 2-tablespoon serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 14g (Healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts)
- Protein: 3g (From spinach, nuts, and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 25% of the daily value (thanks to spinach and basil)
- Vitamin C: 10% of the daily value
- Iron: 6% of the daily value
- Calcium: 8% of the daily value
Health Benefits of Spinach Basil Pesto
- Rich in Antioxidants: Spinach and basil are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Supports Heart Health: The healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts are great for heart health.
- Boosts Immunity: Vitamin C from basil and spinach helps support a healthy immune system.
For a more complete meal, pair your Spinach Basil Pesto with a Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a protein-packed dish that complements the pesto beautifully.
Serving & Storage: How to Enjoy and Keep Your Spinach Basil Pesto Fresh
Once you’ve made your Spinach Basil Pesto, it’s time to enjoy it! This vibrant sauce can be served in so many delicious ways. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta or using it as a dip, you’ll want to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
How to Serve Spinach Basil Pesto
- Pasta: Toss the pesto with hot pasta for an easy and flavorful dish. It pairs perfectly with spaghetti, penne, or even gnocchi.
- Pizza: Drizzle the pesto on top of a freshly grilled pizza. It makes a fantastic base or finishing touch. If you’re a fan of grilled pizza, check out our Pizza Grilled – Your Guide to Perfectly Grilled Pizza!
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a deliciously fresh twist.
- Veggies & Dips: Use it as a dip for fresh veggies, crackers, or as a topping for grilled vegetables.
How to Store Spinach Basil Pesto
- Refrigeration: Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover the top of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
- Freezing: If you want to keep your pesto for longer, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. After freezing, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will remain fresh for up to 3 months.
- Using Leftovers: If you have leftover pesto, try using it in a future pasta dish, or even as a dressing for a salad. For more pesto-inspired meals, check out our Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta!
By storing your pesto properly, you can enjoy its fresh, bold flavors for days or even months.
ariations: Customize Your Spinach Basil Pesto
While Spinach Basil Pesto is delicious on its own, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. From swapping ingredients to adding unique flavors, here are some variations to try!
1. Vegan Spinach Basil Pesto
For a vegan-friendly version of this pesto, simply swap the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or even blend in some cashews for added creaminess.
2. Spinach and Kale Pesto
Add a bit of kale to your pesto to enhance the nutrient profile. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a slightly peppery taste that pairs well with spinach and basil.
3. Nut-Free Spinach Basil Pesto
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, you can use seeds instead of nuts. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great as a substitute and still provide a lovely texture and flavor.
4. Spicy Spinach Basil Pesto
If you love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a jalapeño pepper to the pesto. This will give it a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with pasta or grilled meats.
5. Avocado Spinach Basil Pesto
For a creamy twist, blend in a ripe avocado with the pesto ingredients. The avocado adds a smooth texture and boosts the healthy fats, making it even more indulgent and nutritious.
No matter which variation you choose, Spinach Basil Pesto can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. If you’re craving another fresh, healthy dish, try making our Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo—it’s a great complement to pesto!
FAQs: Common Questions About Spinach Basil Pesto
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your Spinach Basil Pesto and troubleshoot any issues you might encounter.
Why is my spinach pesto bitter?
If your Spinach Basil Pesto tastes bitter, it could be due to over-blending the spinach, or the basil being too mature or old. To avoid bitterness:
- Make sure your spinach and basil are fresh and not overly mature.
- Avoid over-blending; pulse until everything is just combined.
- If the pesto tastes too bitter, try adding a bit more lemon juice, olive oil, or Parmesan cheese to balance the flavors.
Do spinach and pesto go together?
Yes! Spinach can be used in place of basil for a more mellow, earthy flavor in pesto. Spinach Basil Pesto is a fantastic variation of the classic pesto, offering a unique twist while still maintaining that rich, herby goodness that makes pesto so beloved.
Can I use spinach instead of basil for pesto?
Absolutely! You can make Spinach Basil Pesto by using spinach as the primary herb. While basil is the traditional ingredient, spinach offers a milder, slightly sweeter flavor and works great with the other pesto components. You can also mix spinach and basil to achieve a balanced flavor.
Is spinach pesto healthy?
Yes! Spinach Basil Pesto is a healthy option thanks to the abundance of spinach, which is packed with iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants. The nuts or seeds add healthy fats, and the olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. By making your pesto at home, you can control the ingredients and make it even healthier by reducing the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
If you’re interested in trying another healthy meal, check out our Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta, which offers another nutritious take on pesto!
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Spinach Basil Pesto
Now that you know how to make the perfect Spinach Basil Pesto, you can enjoy this versatile and healthy sauce in countless ways. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, drizzling it over grilled pizza, or using it as a dip for fresh veggies, the possibilities are endless.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Basil Pesto
- It’s packed with nutrients and healthy fats.
- It’s easy to customize to suit your dietary preferences.
- It’s incredibly versatile—use it on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and more!
- It’s a perfect way to add a burst of fresh flavor to any dish.
We hope you enjoy making and eating this fresh, vibrant pesto. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own! For more pesto-inspired dishes, you might also love our Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.
Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!