Pesto sauce is a great sauce option for zucchini noodles, added to tomato sauce, or simply used on pasta, pizza, vegetables, rice, beans, chicken, fish, and eggs. Plus in soups, dressings, hummus, wraps, sandwiches, and more!

Basil provides powerful antioxidants, reduces inflammation, and supplies a rich daily dose of vitamin K for bone and heart health.

Equipment: Food processor

 Makes about 1 Cup

Ingredients:                                                                 

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (pressed down into cup) or cilantro
  • 1 cup fresh Italian parsley (pressed down into cup)
  • 1/3-1/2 cup cold-pressed virgin olive oil
  • 1/3-1/2 cup toasted pine nuts and/or walnuts, pecans, almonds, or nut-free options (see below).
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Optional for cheesy flavor: 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan, chickpea miso (soy-free), or nutritional yeast.
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt and a dash of cayenne pepper (or low-sodium kelp w/cayenne)

*Nut-Free: Sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds): Toast them lightly first to mimic the warm, nutty depth of traditional pine nuts.

Directions:

  1. Place the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. (If using other nuts, you can also put them in a toaster oven at 350 for 8-10 minutes.)
  2. Optional: blanch the parsley (dip in boiling water for 10 seconds, then into ice water) to keep the bright green color. Squeeze out excess water before adding to the recipe.
  3. In a processor, add the basil and parsley with the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, nuts, and cheesy flavor choice (parmesan/miso/nutritional yeast) and pulse until desired smoothness.
  4. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Note: Can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months in an ice cube tray for easy serving sizes. Cover the tray or pop them out into a storage container for whenever you want to add a “flavor bomb” to your dishes.

Enjoy!

  • Free from wheat, gluten, grains, dairy, corn, soy, egg, *nuts, and refined sugar.
  • GF, DF, Vegan, Low Carb, Paleo, and Keto-Friendly!

For More Recipes, go to www.LisaStimmer.com