Spinach Pesto Recipe

Store-bought pesto just can’t compare! This Spinach Pesto gets a nutritional upgrade with extra greens.

Who doesn’t love pesto? It’s delicious, easy to make, and adds a bold flavor to any dish. But what if I told you that traditional basil-and-pine nut pesto is so last millennium? Welcome to the world of spinach pesto, where fresh green flavors combine with tangy parmesan cheese for a bright taste in every bite.

One reason I adore pesto:  F-L-A-V-O-R. A small amount of pesto adds a huge punch of flavor to whatever it is you are making.  And you can use pesto in so many ways.

Pesto brings so much to the table. Besides its rich flavor, it’s a great way to add heart-healthy fats and antioxidants to your meal.

Plus, you can use it in lots of different ways. Imagine a creamy spinach pesto sauce to top off your pasta dish or spooned over a juicy chicken breast. You can even add it to sandwiches or pizza for a unique twist. I mean, I could live on this stuff!

I have tried several pesto recipes, from classic basil to kale pesto. But this delicious spinach pesto is my favorite so far! The spinach-Parmesan combo is delicious, and the fresh herbs give it a unique flavor you don’t find in traditional pesto.

So, let’s look at the simple ingredients you need to curate this delicious recipe.

 

Recipe Ingredients–What You Need

What I like the most about this simple spinach pesto recipe is that it uses some common ingredients to create something unique. Here’s what you need:

Spinach:

The main ingredient for this recipe is spinach. You can use either fresh spinach leaves or a big bag of frozen spinach. But organic fresh baby spinach leaves will give you the best flavor and texture.

You’ll need 2 cups of loosely packed chopped spinach.

The health benefits of spinach are so extensive that it’s often referred to as a superfood. It helps prevent cancer thanks to its high zeaxanthin and carotenoid content. It also contains Vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting and strengthens your bones.

With all these benefits, I’m sure you’re already planning on making a big batch of spinach pesto.

Basil Leaves:

Fresh basil is a must-have ingredient for any type of pesto. It adds a beautiful fragrance and flavor to the mix. You’ll need 3/4 cup of chopped basil leaves for this recipe.

Basil is rich in Vitamin A and carotenoids, which can help protect your skin from free radical damage and reduce inflammation.

Basil also has antibacterial properties. So, if you make it a regular part of your meal plan, it’ll help you fight abdominal, urinary, and skin infections. Plus, with its versatility, you can use it in various dishes. Sprinkle it on salads, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and sandwich spread.

Parmesan Cheese:

The gritty and nutty parmesan cheese adds the perfect balance of flavor to this pesto. This homemade pesto recipe requires 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. I suggest you go for the best quality grated parmesan you can find.

Pro Tip: The cheesy flavor that a fresh block of parmesan adds to this recipe is unbeatable. So, if you can find one, go for it!

Parmesan is naturally low in lactose, making it a great choice for people with lactose intolerance.

It is also an excellent source of minerals that are essential for a healthy immune system, strong bones, proper nerve functioning, and skin health.

Garlic:

The king of all spices, garlic is one of my favorite ingredients for this spinach pesto. It’ll give the pesto a five-star rating with its aromatic and strong presence.

You don’t need to use a lot; just 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic should do the trick. I recommend using fresh garlic cloves as they are more pungent and flavorful than pre-minced garlic.

Garlic has been used in various cultures all over the world for its medicinal benefits. It’s known to boost immunity. It even helps reduce inflammation.

Nuts:

You can’t make pesto without nuts, right? (See below for my suggestion if you’re allergic) I prefer almonds, as they have a milder flavor and crunchy texture. You’ll need 1/4 cup of whole toasted almonds for this recipe. You can substitute them with walnuts or cashews if you prefer. However, if you have nut allergies and are looking for a nut-free pesto, add more garlic and cheese instead.

Nuts are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and proteins, which make them a great addition to any meal. They are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help promote healthy skin, boost immunity, and even reduce the risk of heart disease.

If you can’t have nuts in your pesto, I recommend trying this Nut Free Pesto from Joy-Filled Eats.

Olive Oil:

Many people believe oils are unhealthy. But that’s not true; extra virgin olive oil is one of the most nourishing and beneficial oils for our health. This recipe uses 1/8-1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil. A thin layer of olive oil will add depth to the pesto.

Extra-virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are essential for a healthy heart. It also has Vitamin E, which is great for the skin and helps reduce wrinkles.

Black Pepper:

Black pepper is my secret ingredient in making a delicious spinach pesto. You’ll need 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for this recipe. The black pepper adds a spicy kick to the pesto, and it also helps boost digestion.

Black pepper has anti-inflammatory compounds and minerals, such as iron and potassium. It can also help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Sea Salt:

The final ingredient for this spinach pesto is sea salt. If you don’t have sea salt, you can use kosher salt or any other type of salt available in your pantry. It’s all to taste when it comes to salt. So, balance it out with your taste buds.

Sea salt helps regulate your body’s fluid balance, promotes healthy digestion, and reduces inflammation. So, the next time you take it for granted, remember how important it is for our health.

Traditional pesto is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt. The great thing is, you can take the basic idea of pesto and play with it, creating slightly different flavor profiles.  You can switch out the basil for a different herb.  You can substitute the pine nuts for a different nut.  Or switch out both like I did with this cilantro pesto.

If you love making homemade condiments as much as I do, you should also try this Homemade Aioli recipe!

How to Make Delicious Spinach Pesto

1. Put all the ingredients except the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. 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.

Stir this Spinach Pesto into some Instant Pot Pasta for a delicious, easy dinner! It will also be tasty in this Orecchiette Pasta recipe!

If you try this or any of my healthy recipes, please give it a star rating below. It’s so helpful for other readers to see which recipes have been tried and tested by you! Share on Instagram, and I’ll feature you as well. Happy cooking!

Helpful Tips:

·      If you want to make the pesto extra creamy, you can add more olive oil

·      Lemon juice or lemon zest can be added for a zesty flavor

·      Sunflower seeds and walnuts can be used as substitutes for almonds

·      For vegan pesto, you can substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast

·      You can also add some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for a richer flavor like I do in this Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Spinach Pesto?

Yes, you can freeze spinach pesto. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or a zip-lock bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you want to use it, let it thaw at room temperature before using it.

Can I Make This Spinach Pesto Without a Food Processor?

Yes, you can make this spinach pesto without a food processor. You can use a blender or just chop the ingredients by hand. The texture won’t be as smooth, but you’ll still enjoy it.

Can I Use This Spinach Pesto on Other Dishes?

Of course! Spinach pesto is incredibly versatile. You can spread it on sandwiches, add it to pasta dishes, or enjoy it as a dip. The options are endless! Try it in this Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Vegetables recipe. Easy weeknight meal!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post about how to make a delicious spinach pesto. Making homemade pesto is easy and fun, and I’m sure you’ll love the results. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors; soon enough, you’ll have your own signature pesto recipe!

 

This post was originally published in 2014. Photos were updated and a video added in 2019 and more text updates were added in 2023.