Pine Nut Pesto

This fresh Pine Nut Pesto is a quick, vibrant sauce made with fresh basil, spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan-romano, garlic, and olive oil that's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, pizza, and more.

📝 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted)
• 3 cups firmly packed baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp chopped red onion
• 1 cup shredded parmesan-romano cheese ((OR Parmesan cheese))
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt ((sea salt or table salt))
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 4-6 medium garlic cloves (peeled)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup olive oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pine nuts onto a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 6-7 minutes until golden then set aside to cool.
2. 2In a large food processor place the pine nuts, spinach, basil, onion, shredded cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, garlic cloves, pepper and red pepper flakes.
3. 3Pulse in short bursts to process.
4. 4Drizzle the olive oil in through the tube at the top. Stop and scrape the side of the bowl at least once so that everything blends together.
5. 5Use immediately tossed over warm pasta, as a spread for toasted garlic bread or as a dip.
6. 6Chill in an airtight container until using.