Broccoli Pesto

Elevate your pasta nights and beyond with this vibrant, healthy twist on a classic—Broccoli Pesto. This quick and easy recipe combines nutrient-packed broccoli florets with the aromatic richness of fresh basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Balanced with a tangy hint of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a silky drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, this pesto is a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect as a zesty topping for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for veggies, this versatile recipe is both wholesome and indulgent. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more greens into your meals! Whether you're whipping up a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead (it stores beautifully), this broccoli pesto will become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Broccoli florets
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp.

Step 3

Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Step 4

In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and pine nuts.

Step 5

Pulse the mixture until finely chopped and well blended.

Step 6

With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 7

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, then pulse again to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Step 8

Transfer the broccoli pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. It can be stored for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	415.4 grams (415.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1501

Total Fat 154.30g	198%
Saturated Fat 26.10g	131%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.50g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 1917mg	83%
Total Carbohydrate 17.00g	6%
Dietary Fiber 6.70g	24%
Total Sugars 3.70g
Protein 28.20g	56%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 570mg	44%
Iron 4mg	24%
Potassium 312mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 88.5%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 4.3%