Almond Spinach Basil Pesto

/ Recipes for Wellness / By

Almond Spinach Basil Pesto is one of my favorites – it is budget friendly since you use more spinach than fresh basil and almonds instead of expensive pine nuts. However, you do not compromise on flavor. This recipe can be doubled or tripled easily, we make big batches of this pesto and freeze it in smaller portions to use throughout the months. Trust me, you will LOVE this! Ingredients

  • 1 and 3/4 cups organic spinach
  • 1 cup fresh organic basil
  • 2/3 cup raw almonds, toasted
  • 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • up to 1 cup cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 and 1/4 tablespoon organic fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon organic lemon zest
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Toast raw almonds on stove-top over medium-low heat until slightly toasted (you should be able to smell their fragrance in the air). Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  2. In a food processor, combined toasted almonds, garlic, and lemon zest. Process until roughly chopped.
  3. Add remaining ingredients – spinach, basil, cheese, lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper. Blend until desired consistency, adding more olive oil as needed. (Note: I prefer my pesto on the thicker side, but feel free to make it as thick or thin as you like.)
  4. Bam! You’re done – now put it on everything!
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