Today I’m sharing a simple and delicious recipe for nut-free spinach pesto. This super simple condiment can be prepared in under 5 minutes and tastes delicious with just about anything-from pasta, rice, and vegetables, to fish, soups and stews, or as a spread for sandwiches.
I adore pesto. So much so that I eat it by the spoonful. Although I adore classic basil pesto, I also love this version. If you love pesto, trust me, you too will love this variation. Pesto is one of those condiments that every home chef should master. This version is more affordable than the traditional recipe, but just as rich and delicious.
I always keep a jar of freshly made pesto in the fridge as well as a few individual portions stored in the freezer. If I’m not preparing pasta with pesto for dinner, I’m always adding a dollop of pesto to a ton of different recipes. Incorporating just a touch of pesto adds such richness and brightness to meals, and also adds an additional depth of flavour, without altering the original flavour profile of the recipe. As long as you have a food processor (or a mortar and pestle), and a few key ingredients-spinach leaves, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, pumpkin seeds, good quality olive oil, and some fresh lemon juice, you’ll be well on your way to making this creamy, flavourful condiment.
This recipe is a great way to use up any spinach that is almost past its prime. And if you are hesitant about the spinach, you have no reason to be. The flavour is so delicate and mild and is almost completely overpowered by all the other bright, pungent flavours. The pumpkin seeds are a perfect substitute for pine nuts since they have the same creamy texture, and they’re also much more affordable than pine nuts (which are ridiculously expensive, don’t you agree?). A final touch of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the all of the rich flavours of the pesto.
For the record, my husband despises spinach and he thought this was delicious. He knows better than to assume that my recipes are always the original renditions, but this one had him fooled. It was not until I revealed to him that it was made with spinach that he begged to differ. Regardless, he couldn’t deny how tasty this was!
If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!
I love pesto sauce and spinach but have never had spinach pesto before. Might be worth giving it a shot.
I love pesto, but I’ve never tried my hand at it. I think I can handle this recipe.
It is so easy…you do need to invest in a good food processor!
Wow, this is really great. I have never tried this before. Sounds delicious.
I have to send this to my best friend who’s son has nut allergy. She is always struggling to find nut-free recipes like this pesto. I will try this too.
I can’t even imagine having a food allergy…I have a few intolerances and that’s bad enough. I hope she tries this!
I have never tried pesto sauce. But this looks fabulous! I need to try this.
I love pesto and because I’m allergic to nuts then this is just the thing for me. I might be giving this a try.
You should definitely try this…
Sounds delicious. My nephew has a nut allergy so this is the perfect recipe for my sister to make.
There are SO many nut allergies out there…this is a recipe that they can enjoy too!
This version of pesto sounds delicious! I am a fan of pumpkin seeds so I think I would really like this!
Pesto is delicious! I have not had it in ages and have still never tried making it.
Oh how I love pesto. My husband loves this kind of dip too, so I think he would love this if I were to make some!
I love fresh pesto. I usually use basil from my garden but some rabbits have eaten all mine so this spinach pesto seems like a good recipe to try!
I make tons and tons of basil pesto in the summer because our basil grows like weeds!
Oh wow, I’d love to try this kind of pesto. I do love spinach and pumpkin seeds so I think I’d like it a lot.
I have never made pesto 😀 But it seems I have to give your pesto recipe a try because it seems like a good one!
It’s so unbelievably easy to make…and SO much cheaper than buying it already prepared.
This looks like a great recipe, I have not tried pesto but can see how this would make a great dip idea!
I love Pesto any way I can get it! I can’t wait to try this one!
mmmm…pesto and pasto. I would love to try this recipe sometime!
Match made in heaven 😉
I love a good pesto dip. And since I really do enjoy the taste of spinach, I can’t wait to try this recipe. It’s so convenient that this recipe is nut-free so it’ll work for those with allergies, too!
I love simple recipes. I do like some pesto, but haven’t yet had one that I liked that was made with pine nuts.
You should try this one then! I’ve made pesto with walnuts and cashews as well…I like all of them!
Oh man, that sounds so good. I think my whole family would love this. Yum.
It’s a delicious alternative!
Tried this recipe out today and LOVED, tres delish! thank you Bites For Babies!
Thank Liz!