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Easy Spinach Pesto


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  • Author: Elle Penner, MPH RD
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1/2 cups (12 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This easy spinach pesto recipe swaps basil for budget-friendly spinach, making it an affordable, nutrient-packed sauce. Enjoy now & freeze extra for later!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (226 g) fresh spinach (about 9 loosely packed cups)
  • 2/3 cup (90 g) toasted pine nuts
  • 1 cup (127 g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until coarsely chopped.
  2. Process on high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Enjoy immediately or store for later use (see Storage Instructions above).

Notes

  • If serving over pasta: This recipe makes enough pesto to generously coat 2 pounds of dry pasta (1 1/4-cup per 1 pound or 500 grams of uncooked pasta). Simply add to hot pasta along with 1/3 cup of pasta water and stir to coat.

Freeze leftovers in an airtight container or ice cube trays for another meal.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauces
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3.2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 198
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 288 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 7 mg