Spinach Pesto Recipe: Pesto lovers, get ready for a green twist on a classic favorite! This Spinach Pesto recipe is vibrant, nutritious, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your kitchen journey, this guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know—from picking the freshest ingredients to blending them into a creamy, flavorful pesto.
Why spinach? Because it’s mild, packed with nutrients, and blends beautifully with traditional pesto ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and nuts. Plus, it stays bright green for longer than basil pesto. Whether you’re topping pasta, spreading it on toast, or using it as a dip, this pesto is going to become your new favorite green sauce.
Ready to dive in? Let’s talk pesto basics first!
What Is Pesto?
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce originating from Genoa. The classic version—Pesto alla Genovese—is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. All the ingredients are traditionally crushed together using a mortar and pestle (which is where the word “pesto” comes from—it means “to pound” or “to crush” in Italian).
But pesto has evolved! Today, people make all sorts of versions using different greens, nuts, cheeses, and even oils. That’s where spinach pesto shines—it’s a modern, nutrient-dense variation that’s both delicious and budget-friendly.
Why Spinach Pesto?
Why choose spinach over basil or other greens? Great question!
Spinach is:
- Affordable and easy to find year-round
- Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate
- Mild in flavor, which makes it super versatile
- Longer-lasting in color compared to basil, which can brown easily
Plus, spinach allows you to make large batches without breaking the bank. So if you’re meal prepping or feeding a family, this is the pesto recipe you’ve been looking for!
Health Benefits of Spinach
Let’s take a quick look at why spinach is considered a superfood:
- Rich in antioxidants like lutein and beta carotene, which support eye health
- Low in calories, high in fiber, which helps digestion
- Loaded with iron, which supports energy levels
- Helps reduce blood pressure thanks to its high potassium content
- Boosts immunity with high vitamin C content
So not only are you making something delicious, but you’re also fueling your body with something incredibly healthy.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a lot of fancy items—just a few fresh ingredients and pantry staples to bring this pesto to life.
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ a lemon (for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pantry Staples:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or cashews all work)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a vegan version)
All ingredients should be as fresh as possible to maximize flavor!
Kitchen Tools Required
You don’t need fancy equipment for this recipe, but having these on hand makes the job easier:
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for scraping the sides
- Skillet (for toasting nuts)
- Storage container or jar
That’s it! If you have these ready, you’re good to go.
How to Prepare Spinach for Pesto
Before throwing everything into your blender, it’s important to prep your spinach properly:
- Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold water. Even pre-washed baby spinach can carry dirt.
- Dry the spinach completely—this is important. Wet spinach can lead to a watery pesto.
- Trim any tough stems, especially if using mature spinach. Baby spinach is fine as-is.
- Chop roughly if your blender struggles with large leaves.
Pro tip: If you want a brighter green pesto, blanch the spinach for 30 seconds in boiling water, then transfer to ice water. It keeps the color super vibrant!
How to Choose the Best Olive Oil
Not all olive oils are created equal! Here’s how to pick one for your pesto:
- Go for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Look for cold-pressed on the label—it means higher quality.
- A mild or fruity olive oil pairs best with spinach’s gentle flavor.
Avoid overly bitter or peppery oils—they can overpower the spinach.
How to Choose the Right Nuts for Your Pesto
Traditional pesto uses pine nuts, but here are some great options:
- Pine nuts: Classic, creamy, but pricey.
- Walnuts: Earthy flavor and affordable.
- Cashews: Buttery and naturally sweet.
- Almonds: Crunchy, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Toast your nuts first! It enhances flavor and adds depth to the pesto. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, toss in your nuts, and stir until golden and fragrant—about 3–5 minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spinach Pesto
Let’s bring it all together. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have the perfect spinach pesto in no time.
Step 1: Toast the Nuts
Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add your nuts—pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds all work well. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly to avoid overheating the pesto.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
Wash fresh spinach thoroughly and pat dry. Removing excess moisture is important to prevent a watery pesto. Trim off any tough stems for a smoother texture.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine spinach, toasted nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse a few times until roughly chopped. Scrape down the sides as needed for even blending.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Olive Oil
Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of oil based on your preferred thickness.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with more salt, cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Use immediately or store in the fridge with a thin layer of oil on top.
Tips for Making the Best Spinach Pesto
Want to elevate your pesto game? These tips will help you get restaurant-level results at home:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Since pesto is uncooked, every ingredient shines. That means fresh spinach, good olive oil, and real Parmesan (not the powdered kind).
- Don’t over-blend: A little texture makes pesto more interesting. Pulse rather than purée.
- Toast the nuts: This one’s worth repeating! It deepens their flavor and adds complexity.
- Add lemon juice: This keeps the color bright and adds a pop of acidity that balances the richness.
- Use cold ingredients: Warm ingredients can make your pesto turn brown quickly. Chill your spinach and nuts before blending for a brighter green result.
- For a creamier texture: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or even a bit of avocado.
Remember, the best pesto is the one you like most. So don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your flavor preferences!
How to Store Spinach Pesto
So you’ve made a batch of this delicious green goodness—how do you keep it fresh?
In the Refrigerator:
- Place the pesto in an airtight container.
- Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep air out and prevent browning.
- Store for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer:
- Use ice cube trays to portion it out—great for single servings.
- Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 months.
Before using frozen pesto, let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving it, as this can alter the texture.
Creative Ways to Use Spinach Pesto
Think pesto is just for pasta? Think again. Here are some exciting ways to enjoy your spinach pesto:
1. Tossed with Pasta
- The classic use. Thin it out with pasta water for a silky sauce.
2. As a Sandwich Spread
- Use it in place of mayo for a bold flavor kick.
3. On Pizza
- Spread it instead of tomato sauce, then top with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
4. As a Dip
- Mix it with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a savory snack dip.
5. Stirred into Soups
- Add a spoonful to enhance the flavor of creamy or broth-based soups.
6. As a Marinade
- Rub it on chicken, fish, or tofu before baking or grilling.
7. With Eggs
- Swirl into scrambled eggs or top off a fried egg for a bright, herbal twist.
Pesto is incredibly versatile, and once you start using it in new ways, it’ll become a staple in your fridge!
Spinach Pesto Variations You Can Try
Feeling adventurous? Try one of these creative spins on the basic spinach pesto recipe:
Vegan Spinach Pesto
- Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan hard cheese alternative.
Spinach-Basil Blend
- Use half spinach, half fresh basil for the best of both worlds.
Nut-Free Version
- Skip the nuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for a school-safe pesto.
Spicy Pesto
- Add jalapeño, crushed red pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
Creamy Spinach Pesto
- Blend in avocado or a spoonful of ricotta cheese for added creaminess.
Asian-Inspired Pesto
- Swap Parmesan for miso paste and use sesame oil in place of olive oil for a unique umami twist.
Pesto is more like a concept than a rigid recipe. Once you master the base, you can experiment endlessly.
FAQs about Spinach Pesto Recipe
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw and drain it well to remove excess water. The flavor might be slightly earthier, but it works fine.
2. What can I use instead of Parmesan to make it dairy-free?
Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative. It adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
3. How do I prevent my spinach pesto from turning brown?
Use fresh ingredients, add lemon juice, and store it with a layer of olive oil on top. Keeping it airtight also helps.
4. Can I make spinach pesto without a food processor?
Yes! A high-speed blender works, or you can go old-school with a mortar and pestle for a chunkier texture.
5. Is spinach pesto good for kids?
Absolutely. It’s packed with nutrients and has a mild flavor. Plus, you can sneak in extra greens without them noticing!
Conclusion
Making spinach pesto at home is not only super easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy but takes less than 10 minutes to whip up. Whether you’re a busy student, a home cook looking for healthy additions to your meals, or someone who just loves good food—this spinach pesto recipe is a keeper.
It’s vibrant, packed with nutrition, and customizable to your taste. Plus, it’s way better (and cheaper) than most store-bought jars. From pasta nights to lunch wraps, it adds a punch of flavor and a pop of color to any dish.
So grab your blender, a bunch of spinach, and get ready to impress your taste buds—and anyone else lucky enough to share a meal with you!
