Spinach Pesto

By Suzanne Anderson May 1, 2023 22 mins read 85 Views

This Spinach Pesto is a budget-friendly and versatile sauce you can serve with pasta, pizza, and so much more. Easy to make in 5 minutes!

spinach pesto sauce in a grey bowl with a spoon on top, surrounded by nuts, garlic, spinach, and lemon.

If you love making homemade pesto but not the cost that comes with it, you should try this Spinach Pesto recipe! Fresh spinach leaves add bulk while walnuts are used in place of pine nuts, making this a budget-friendly alternative to the classic Italian sauce. You’ll never know it, though, because it tastes just as herby, bright, savory, and bold as the real thing.

Another reason to make pesto with spinach is that it sneaks in more nutrients without making the sauce taste like salad. They single-handedly load this vegan pesto with fiber, vitamin A, antioxidants, and a long list of other vitamins and minerals.

Lastly, making pesto at home is just plain easy. Simply blend all of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, then you’re done! It’s the best 5-minute sauce you’ll want to make all the time and use on everything.

Is pesto vegan?

Traditionally, no, but it’s pretty easy to keep it vegan. Classic pesto is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, oil, and parmesan cheese. If you don’t need it to be vegan, you can use parmesan cheese. If you want it vegan, use vegan parmesan or just leave it out entirely. We’re only using a few tablespoons in this recipe. Violife is my favorite brand for dairy free parmesan cheese. Or make your own: Vegan Parmesan Cheese.

ingredients for spinach pesto in a food processor.

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

Baby spinach – Fresh baby spinach bulks up the pesto while sneaking in more nutrients. It doesn’t leave a salad flavor behind, either; just a vibrant green color. And if you don’t have spinach at home, this recipe works just as well with kale or arugula instead.
Basil leaves – Making pesto with both spinach and basil gives it its signature herbaceous and bright flavor. But if you can’t find fresh basil leaves, replace it with an extra 1 cup of spinach or the leafy greens of your choice.
Garlic
Walnuts – While pine nuts are the traditional nut used in pesto recipes, they aren’t always accessible or affordable. That’s why I wanted to make this pesto with walnuts instead. They still give the sauce structure and a warm, nutty flavor without hurting your wallet. Raw slivered almonds or cashews should work well, too.
Salt and pepper
Olive oil – A key ingredient in pesto! It emulsifies the sauce, balances the flavors, and smooths out the texture.
Lemon juice
Parmesan – An optional ingredient, but it adds the salty, cheesy flavor known to pesto. I used dairy free Violife but you can use any store-bought parmesan you like or nutritional yeast instead.

How to make spinach pesto

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Add the spinach, basil, garlic, walnuts, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.

While the machine is running, slowly stream in the olive oil until it’s incorporated and the sauce is emulsified. Finish with lemon juice and parmesan.

Serve and enjoy!

a blended batch of spinach pesto in a food processor.

Serving suggestions

Pesto comes with endless uses and because it’s so delicious, you’ll want to use it everywhere! Use it any way you like or give these ideas a try:

Pasta – It’s a simple and versatile pasta sauce. Toss it with freshly cooked noodles with vegan meatballs on top, use it in any pasta salad recipe, or add some coconut milk to make a creamy pesto sauce instead.
Pizza – Swap the classic red sauce for pesto on homemade vegan pizza or drizzle it over top as a finishing sauce.
Spread – Spread the pesto on veggie burgers, sandwiches, vegetable wraps, or puff pastry tarts.
Salads – It’s a quick, easy, and flavor-packed salad dressing. Use it on leafy green salads, hearty Cobb salads, quinoa salads, potato salads, or any type of salad you love!
Dipping sauce – Surround a bowl of pesto with crudites, pita bread, crackers, pita chips, or vegan mozzarella sticks for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make pesto without nuts?

Yes! If you have a nut allergy, either omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pepitas.

How do you make oil free pesto?

Oil does help the pesto taste smooth and satisfying but you can replace it with water instead. Use as much as you need to help all of the ingredients blend together.

How long does it last?

Any leftovers will last for about 1 week when kept in the fridge. To store, keep the pesto in an airtight container with a layer of plastic pressed directly on top to prevent it from browning.

Can you freeze pesto?

Yes, pesto freezes very well. To freeze, pour the sauce into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the pesto cubes to a ziplock bag or container, then freeze for up to 6 months.

Want more tasty sauce recipes?

5 Minute Peanut Sauce
Vegan Alfredo Sauce
Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Easy Barbecue Sauce
Chipotle Sauce

Spinach Pesto

This Spinach Pesto is a budget-friendly and versatile sauce you can serve with pasta, pizza, and so much more. Easy to make in 5 minutes!

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 173kcal

Author Nora Taylor

Ingredients

3 cups baby spinach lightly packed
1 cup basil leaves lightly packed
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 teaspoon salt
few shakes black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, optional I used dairy free Violife

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Add the baby spinach, basil, garlic, walnuts, salt and pepper to a food processor and pulse several times to combine.
While pulsing, drizzle in the olive oil and blend until well incorporated. Add the lemon juice and parmesan, if using.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You may use all spinach and not basil if needed, or a mix or arugula and spinach or even some kale.
Instead of walnuts, you can use pine nuts, cashews or even sunflower seeds for a nut free option.

Nutrition

By: Nora
Title: Spinach Pesto
Sourced From: www.noracooks.com/spinach-pesto/
Published Date: Mon, 01 May 2023 16:46:00 +0000

Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, the trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition. Going plant-based is an effective way of eating in today's world and our mission is to show how it can be achieved with confidence and integrity. From paleo, keto, plant-based, and mediteranian diets to intermittent fasting and weight loss, we’re here to bring you reliable strategies that support feeling - and looking - your absolute best.

Share stories, passions and delicious recipes with our community and join us as we revolutionize how people think about healthy eating. We invite you to use this platform as a place for open dialogue around nutrition that encourages empathy, education and empowerment towards healthier living. All contributions are welcomed – email us at [email protected]!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a plant based diet be dangerous?

While many people have reported health benefits from switching to a plant-based lifestyle, there are risks involved in any type of diet. People transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle should carefully consider proper vitamin and mineral intake, such as B12, iron, zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Eating an unbalanced diet without replacements for these substances can cause deficiencies and negative health impacts. Additionally, following a purely vegan/plant-based lifestyle could mean cutting out valuable sources of protein found in dairy and eggs, which may hinder muscle maintenance. Plant-based people should adjust their diets to suit their individual needs, consult a nutritionist, and avoid potential health hazards.

Can I Eat Meat on A Plant-Based Diet?

Plant-based diets allow for certain foods that are not made up of animal products, such as fish, meat, and poultry. Some people who follow a plant-based diet can still eat dairy and eggs, but only in moderation. There are many options for those who want to make the switch to a plant diet. Plant-based diets include fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and lentils, whole grains like oatmeal and rice, as well as soybeans and lentils.

Many grocery stores carry vegan products. Tofu, seitan, tempeh (fermented soy beans), and mock chicken made from mushrooms all have the same flavor and texture as traditional meat dishes. You can get a vegetarian burger made from black beans and quinoa, which are very similar to beef burgers.

For those who are looking for more than just a replacement for their favorite carnivorous foods, there are many plant-based alternative options. Tofu mayo, coconut bacon strips, eggplant bacon bits, and veggie hot dogs made from seasoned textured soybean protein are some vegan alternatives. All of these delicious options can also be used to make faux chicken strips with wheat gluten. Even though some processed forms, such as mushrooms and coconut bacon, may taste similar to pork or steak, when cooked well, they can still have similar sensory properties to meat but are far less environmentally impactful than livestock production. These alternative options can replace any meat one may have consumed in the past, making the transition to a plant based diet easier.

Is it OK to eat too much meat if you are on a plant-based lifestyle?

A plant-based diet prohibits the consumption of any meat. This diet eliminates all animal products including poultry, fish, and meat. Many vegan substitutes can deliver the same flavor and texture with no animal products. Tofu, seitan and tempeh (fermented beans), are all examples of soy-based meats that can mimic the traditional taste of meat. Vegetarian burgers made of black beans and/or quinoa can be as good as beef burgers. Tofu mayo, coconut bacon strips, eggplant bacon bits and veggie hot dogs made from seasoned textured soybean protein are all tasty vegan options. These are excellent options for those who want to switch to a plant-based diet. They're flavorful, protein-packed, and don't contain any animal products.

Is a Plant-Based Diet able to Lose Weight?

Yes, it is possible to lose weight by eating a plant-based diet. Eating a variety fruits and veggies, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and other plant-based foods can help you feel full, without the need to consume extra calories or unhealthy fats. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Research suggests that a plant diet can boost metabolism and lower obesity risk factors, like inflammation. Incorporating healthy food rich in fiber, as well as limiting the intake of sugars, starches and white bread, can help to lose weight and still provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs.

How can you make the transition to a plant based diet?

Although it may seem daunting to switch to a plant-based diet, it can also be a great lifestyle change if you have the right support and knowledge. Some tips for transitioning to this type of diet include:

Structure meals around whole foods and not processed food to ensure adequate macronutrients, vitamins, or mineral intake.
You should be able to make meals that are both delicious and suitable for your dietary needs.
Creating a support system like friends, family members, or certified health professionals.
Experiment with new recipes while enjoying healthy eating.
Gradually changing habits while also being mindful of nutrient intake.

By gradually transitioning to a plant-based diet and incorporating these tips into the process, individuals may increase their chances of staying on track with this healthy lifestyle change.

Statistics

Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

How To

How can you make the transition to a plant based diet without feeling overwhelmed?

Making the transition to a plant-based diet can be overwhelming at first - however, with adequate preparation and education, it is achievable. To start, take baby steps and gradually incorporate the necessary dietary changes - replacing animal proteins with plant-based proteins, for example. Opt for whole foods rather than processed substitutes, as they are generally healthier and more filling.

Planning and meal preparation requires dedication. Plan your meals ahead of time so you can plan and shop for the right ingredients and allocate enough time for each dish. It is a good idea to invest in kitchen appliances like multi-cookers, slow cookers, and multi-cookers. Batch cooking makes it easy to have multiple meals ready at once.

Keep trying new flavors and try them out. Try different cuisines to add variety to your vegetarian diet. Make a grocery list that's based on recipes, and not on impulse shopping at the supermarket. With the right ingredients and preparation tips, making the switch will become easier over time!