Spinach Basil Pesto — a simple homemade pesto you can make in a blender or Vitamix. Fresh spinach and basil blend with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon, and olive oil to create a bright, versatile sauce perfect for pasta, chicken, pizza, sandwiches, and more.
If you want an easy homemade condiment that elevates many dishes, try this Spinach Basil Pesto. It swaps easily for store-bought pesto in recipes and pairs well with chicken, pasta, lasagna, pizza, burgers, and more.
What is Pesto Made of?
Traditional pesto is made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Variations add or substitute greens, herbs, nuts, or seeds to change the flavor and texture.
At its core, pesto combines an herb or leafy green, a nut or seed, cheese, and olive oil. You can easily customize the recipe with different herbs, nuts, spices, or cheeses to suit your taste.
How to Make Spinach Pesto
This spinach basil pesto is quick to prepare using a high-speed blender, Vitamix, or food processor. Start by combining the basil and spinach leaves with grated Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice and zest. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. You can leave the pesto a bit chunky or blend longer for a smoother texture. Add more olive oil if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Use the best ingredients you can: freshly grated Parmesan, lightly toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs, and a good extra-virgin olive oil will noticeably improve the flavor.
Ways to Use Spinach Basil Pesto
This pesto is versatile — use it anywhere you’d use a classic basil pesto or a flavorful sauce. Ideas include:
- Spoon over raw chicken and bake for an herb-infused main
- Swap it for tomato sauce on pizza or in lasagna
- Mix a little into sour cream for a quick, bright dip
- Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers
- Toss with hot pasta for an easy pesto pasta
- Drizzle over tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables
- Serve with meatballs or use as a finishing sauce
Feel free to experiment — pesto also works well as a marinade, a sandwich spread, or stirred into soups for added depth.
Can You Freeze Pesto?
Yes — pesto freezes beautifully. Make a large batch and freeze in flat resealable bags, ice cube trays, or freezer-safe containers for easy portioning. Frozen pesto thaws quickly and can be added directly to sauces, soups, pasta, or spreads.
Share your favorite pesto variations or how you use pesto in meals — it’s fun to try new combinations of herbs, nuts, and cheeses. Enjoy this easy Spinach Basil Pesto as a bright, homemade addition to many dishes.
Spinach Basil Pesto Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 small lemon, juiced & zested
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except the olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the blender running, open the lid slightly and slowly drizzle in the olive oil, blending until nearly smooth. Turn off the blender, scrape down the sides if needed, and blend until you reach your preferred consistency.
Notes
Substitute nuts, herbs, or cheeses to create your favorite variation.
Nutrition:
| Carbohydrates: 3 g
| Protein: 4 g
| Fat: 21 g
