Elevate your pasta dishes, sandwiches, and appetizers with the exquisite flavors of this delicious twist on a pesto. This delightful variation of traditional pesto combines the earthy richness of spinach with the nutty crunch of walnuts, creating a sauce that’s both versatile and incredibly delicious. Let’s explore how to make this delectable pesto.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup of walnuts, toasted
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh spinach leaves, toasted walnuts, peeled garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse the ingredients a few times to break them down and combine them.
- With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture comes together into a smooth and creamy paste. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the juice of half a lemon to the pesto and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again until everything is well combined and the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Pesto can be kept refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve the pesto tossed with cooked pasta for a quick and delicious meal, spread it onto sandwiches or wraps, or use it as a flavorful dip for crusty bread and vegetables. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this spinach and walnut pesto as a versatile addition to your favorite dishes, bringing a touch of savory elegance to every bite.
