Zesto Pesto

Elevate your culinary creations with 'Zesto Pesto', a vibrant twist on the classic pesto recipe! This 10-minute, no-cook masterpiece combines the fragrant freshness of basil with the nutty richness of toasted pine nuts, a zesty kick of lemon zest and juice, and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil for a luxuriously smooth texture, and season with garlic, salt, and black pepper for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Perfect as a sauce for pasta, a spread on sandwiches, or even a dip, this quick and versatile recipe adds a burst of irresistible Mediterranean flair to any dish. With its bright, citrusy notes and creamy finish, 'Zesto Pesto' will quickly become your go-to for fresh, zesty indulgence.

Nutriscore Rating: 38/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups (loosely packed) Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Toast the pine nuts: In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes.

Step 2

Prepare the basil: Rinse and dry the fresh basil leaves thoroughly. Remove any large stems.

Step 3

Blend the ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon zest. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.

Step 4

Add the liquids: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Process until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

Step 5

Season the pesto: Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 6

Serve or store: Use immediately as a sauce for pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip. Alternatively, transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	289.9 grams (289.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1635

Total Fat 164.40g	211%
Saturated Fat 32.30g	161%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.50g
Cholesterol 63mg	21%
Sodium 2379mg	103%
Total Carbohydrate 12.90g	5%
Dietary Fiber 3.30g	12%
Total Sugars 1.60g
Protein 36.30g	73%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 940mg	72%
Iron 3mg	19%
Potassium 461mg	10%

*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: 88.3%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 3.1%