Spinach Basil Pesto

Pesto is a vibrant, versatile sauce that enhances a variety of dishes. This recipe offers a twist on traditional pesto by incorporating spinach and optional herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro. With almonds, parmesan, and garlic, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, making it a perfect addition to your meals.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups loosely packed chopped spinach
  • 3/4 cup basil leaves or any other herb you have on hand! Like parsley, mint, or cilantro
  • 1/4 cup whole almonds
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best if you have it)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/8–1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • pinch of salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Put all the ingredients except the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food process. Pulse until the ingredients are broken down and mostly incorporated. I like the ingredients in my pesto to be distinguishable, so I don’t over process. You can process to the consistency you like.
  2. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is as oily as you like it, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few good turns of pepper