Nutritious, versatile, and bursting with flavors – this spinach basil pesto is something that you would want in your fridge at all times. Literally! You would want to have it with everything – bread, salads, sandwiches, crackers, pasta, pizza, etc. It has no cheese in it but still, it is very cheesy because of cashews and nutritional yeast.
If you like this one, you might want to try our Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto too.
What is Pesto?
Pesto is a traditional Italian condiment recipe that is basically a sauce or a dip. It is made by hand-pounding garlic and basil leaves with some pine nuts and cheese. It is extremely flavorful and cheesy because of all the herbs, cheese, and olive oil. Traditionally, it is used to make Pesto Pasta but you can be creative and make a lot more things with this flavorful dip.
How to make Pesto?
The best way to make pesto is by using a mortar pestle. This is the traditional method of making it. In this method, all the ingredients are crushed in a mortar and pestle until you get a paste-like consistency. While crushing, the ingredients release their juice, aroma, and flavors and you get an absolutely delicious pesto. This method makes a slightly coarse pesto which in my opinion tastes much better. The best part of this method is that you get to soak in all the aroma while crushing the ingredients. It feels amazing. The oil that the ingredients release by pounding adds a unique flavor that you don’t get in a mixer grinder.
But this is obviously a time taking method and you need to be ready for some good arm workouts. It is surely a good method when you want to make a lesser quantity but if you are someone like us who would want to make a big batch so that you can have it all through the week, then it could be a little pain in the head. That’s why I make it in my food processor.
Apart from the mortar pestle, this pesto can be easily made in a mixer grinder or food processor. Making it in a food processor releases some juice from the spinach leaves and the pesto will be slightly runny or thin. But storing in the refrigerator thickens it. To make, just add all the ingredients and mix until you get a slightly smooth but coarse consistency. Make sure to add just enough milk to blend well, if needed. Adding more milk dilutes the flavor and color.
How to make Pesto Pasta?
You can follow our delicious and creamy Pesto Pasta recipe for this. It is quite easy and quick to make. Just saute some veggies, add boiled pasta and mix well. Switch off the flame and add pesto as needed. Mix well and your absolutely delicious and restaurant-style pasta is ready to be served.
How to use Pesto?
Spinach Basil Pesto can be used for the following:
- Pesto Pasta
- Pizza
- Sandwiches
- As a dip with crackers, bread, etc.
- Pesto Puffs
- To make Pesto Bread
Easy Swaps
- Cashews: You can use soaked almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds in the recipe. They all make the pesto rich and creamy.
- Nutritional Yeast: It is an ingredient that adds a cheesy flavor. The perfect option for vegans. But if you are not vegan, you can use parmesan cheese instead. Skip cashews in that case.
Is this recipe Vegan?
Yes. This spinach basil pesto recipe is totally plant-based and vegan. It doesn’t have any cheese to it. Instead of cheese, I added cashew and nutritional yeast to the pesto recipe. These ingredients make the pesto creamy and cheesy.
More vegan recipes on the website: Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins, Vegan Dum Biryani, Kung Pao Tofu.
How to store Spinach Basil Pesto?
You can make a big batch of this pesto and refrigerate it for up to 10 to 12 days (or even more).
If you want to store it for a longer time, then put it in the freezer. It can last for more than a month. Whenever you want to use it, take out the pesto from the freezer well in advance to thaw well, or else, put the jar in hot water and de-freeze the pesto.
Other Recipes – just as good
- Italian Basil Pesto Pasta (Vegan)
- Mushroom Sauce Pasta (Vegan)
- 15-Minute Tomato Pesto Pasta
- Italian Minestrone Soup
Now grab all the ingredients because you are ready to make this Italian condiment – spinach basil pesto at home. It is the perfect sauce, dip, or condiment which you must keep in your refrigerator at all times. This way you can make a quick meal and have a party feel at home.
If you try this recipe & like it too, please share the photo of your creation on Instagram and tag us @thefearlesscooking. We just love to see your recreation of our recipes.
Happy Cooking 🙂
Love from us
Richa & Jatin
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