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Evergreen Basil Pesto

Makes about ⅔ cup

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (48 grams) fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup (22 grams) fresh spinach leaves
  • 3 tablespoons (27 grams) pine nuts, toasted (See Notes)
  • 2 cloves garlic (3 grams), minced
  • 1 teaspoon (1 gram) lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese*
  • ¼ cup (56 grams) extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Fill a large bowl with ice water.
  • Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add basil and spinach; cook, stirring occasionally, until vibrant green and wilted, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove using a slotted spoon, and immediately transfer to ice water bath. Let stand until cooled, about 30 seconds. Drain well; thoroughly squeeze dry.
  • In the work bowl of a small food processor, pulse pine nuts, garlic, and lemon zest and juice until coarsely ground. Add cheese, oil, salt, and pepper; pulse until combined. Add drained basil and spinach, and pulse until finely chopped and well combined, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Notes

*We used BelGioioso® Parmesan Cheese.
*pro tip
Blanching and shocking, the process of briefly cooking fruits, vegetables, and herbs in boiling water until they’re bright in color and then immediately submerging them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, preserves the food’s vibrant fresh color and helps keep it from turning brown or gray during storage.
Toasting Nuts
To toast nuts, heat them in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring or shaking skillet occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant. Let them cool completely before using. 
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