This nut-free, Spinach Basil Pesto is not only good for your tastebuds, it's good for your wallet as well. You can have a tasty sauce for your proteins, veggies, and pasta in less than 3 minutes!
I love love love pesto dishes, but why did no one tell me how expensive pine nuts are?? The classic pesto recipe is made with pine nuts, basil, and parmesan. Where I am, pine nuts in bulk go for $20+ a pound… that is ridiculous.
So I looked at my fridge and saw this beautiful bundle of green spinach, and inspiration struck. A little magic in the blender, and voila: nut-free spinach basil pesto was born!
Ingredients
- Spinach Leaves - Instead of pine nuts, we're going to use spinach as the base of our pesto. It adds such a lovely, bright green color and tons of nutrients!
- Basil - Basil is a key part of pesto. You can use fresh basil leaves, or basil paste if you have that.
- Olive Oil - Grab a quality olive oil to go in this recipe.
- Garlic- A bit of garlic cloves (or a lot, I won't judge), lends a great flavor to the pesto.
- Lemon Juice - Lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to your sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese - Parmesan gives sauces some saltiness and a bit of creaminess. However, if you're dairy-free, feel free to leave it out.
How to Make Nut-Free Pesto
It couldn't be easier to make pesto at home! Using a food processor or a good blender, you don't even need to chop any garlic or veggies.
- Add all of the recipe ingredients to a food processor.
- Blend until fully combined. Taste, and adjust any seasonings to your preference.
- If it's too thick for your liking, add a touch of water and blend until it's your desired consistency. That's literally it!
This is a great sauce for those watching their calorie intake, as nuts are very calorie dense. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Other Sauce Recipes You'll Love!
3 Minute Nut-Free Spinach Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil leaves or 1 tbsp. basil paste
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 count garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse/blend until smooth. If it's too thick, add a bit of water at a time until your desired consistency. Enjoy!
Notes
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The Coined Breakdown
- Total Cost per serving: $0.92
- Total Cost (about 10 oz.): $4.61
- Those Other Guys: $6.99 per 10 oz.
LaTrice says
I love Pesto and even more with the added spinach. I am so excited to try this!!!!! My boyfriend is about to think he caught him a domestic woman.
Shani W. says
Lol girl he doesnt have to knowww! I got you covered hahaha