Quick Pea Pesto Side Dish

Brighten up your table with this Quick Pea Pesto Side Dish—an effortless yet flavor-packed addition to any meal! This recipe combines sweet, vibrant peas with fresh basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and lightly toasted pine nuts for a creamy, herbaceous twist on traditional pesto. With just 10 minutes of prep and no cooking required, this dish comes together seamlessly in a food processor, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The addition of zesty lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes elevates the flavors, while its versatility lets you enjoy it as a standalone side, a zippy spread, or a refreshing pasta sauce. Packed with color, nutrients, and gourmet flair, this quick and healthy recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 36/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups frozen peas (thawed)
• 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (lightly toasted)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 0.25 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons optional: red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

If using frozen peas, run them under cold water to thaw or leave them to sit at room temperature until fully thawed. Drain well.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the peas, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse a few times until the mixture begins to combine but is still slightly coarse.

Step 3

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure even blending.

Step 4

Add the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Pulse a few more times to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.

Step 5

Serve immediately as a side dish, or use as a spread, pasta sauce, or dip. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	126.2 grams (126.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	734

Total Fat 77.50g	99%
Saturated Fat 13.10g	66%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 1523mg	66%
Total Carbohydrate 5.00g	2%
Dietary Fiber 1.20g	4%
Total Sugars 1.10g
Protein 10.90g	22%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 241mg	19%
Iron 2mg	9%
Potassium 168mg	4%

*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: 91.6%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 2.6%