Delicious & Healthy Lemon Basil Pesto Recipe

 

Delicious & Healthy Lemon Basil Pesto Recipe

This lemon basil pesto offers a refreshing twist on the traditional pesto. With the bright flavor of lemon and the aromatic essence of fresh basil, it enhances pasta, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables.

The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more nuts or cheese as desired.

Bright and Flavorful Ingredients

The key to a delightful lemon basil pesto lies in its fresh ingredients.

Start with vibrant basil leaves, which provide the base of this sauce.

Pairing the basil with zesty lemon juice adds a refreshing twist that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Garlic contributes a subtle kick, while pine nuts or walnuts introduce a pleasant crunch.

Finally, a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese brings richness and depth to the mix.

Simple Preparation Steps

Creating this pesto is straightforward and quick.

Begin by washing the basil leaves and peeling the garlic cloves.

In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, and lemon juice.

Pulsing until finely chopped creates a well-blended mixture.

As you blend, slowly drizzle in olive oil to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Adjusting Flavor and Consistency

Taste your pesto as you go to ensure it meets your preferences.

Adding salt and pepper can enhance the flavors, making it more balanced.

If the pesto feels too thick, a bit more olive oil can adjust the texture to your liking.

This flexibility allows for personal touches, making it a truly unique creation.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon basil pesto shines as a versatile sauce.

It pairs beautifully with pasta, adding a burst of flavor to any dish.

Spread it on sandwiches or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Grilled meats and fish also benefit from a drizzle of this vibrant sauce, enhancing their taste.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your pesto fresh, store it in an airtight container.

It can last in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing portions for later use.

This way, you can enjoy the bright flavors of lemon basil pesto whenever you desire.

Zesty Lemon Basil Pesto Recipe

A bowl of lemon basil pesto garnished with basil leaves and surrounded by lemons and pine nuts.

This lemon basil pesto combines fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese blended together for a vibrant sauce. The preparation time is about 10 minutes and yields approximately 1 cup of pesto.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash the basil leaves and peel the garlic cloves.
  2. Blend the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. Add Olive Oil: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Season: Taste the pesto and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the consistency with more olive oil if desired.
  5. Store: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Calories: 150kcal
  • Fat: 14g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g

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