How to Make Quick & Easy Pea Pesto

Pea Pesto is a vibrant and creamy twist on the classic basil version, bringing a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to your dishes. Made with bright, sweet peas, this pesto is enhanced by the herbal depth of fresh basil, the richness of Parmesan, and a hint of garlic, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both savory and slightly tangy from the lemon juice. The smooth texture and earthy nuttiness from the pine nuts or walnuts make each bite irresistible.

Flavor Profile:

This pea pesto offers a delightful balance of creamy sweetness from the peas, herbaceous notes from the basil, and a subtle kick from the garlic. The tangy lemon juice adds freshness, while the Parmesan brings a rich, umami depth. The nuts contribute a smooth texture, making this pesto a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.

Uses:

Pea pesto is incredibly versatile. Toss it with your favorite pasta for an easy, flavorful meal, or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It also makes a delicious dip for veggies, a topping for roasted vegetables, or a drizzle over grilled meats and fish. Whether you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your dishes or simply need a fresh twist on a classic, pea pesto is sure to impress!

Pea Pesto Recipe 🌿

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups frozen peas (thawed, or use fresh peas if available)

¼ cup fresh basil leaves (packed)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋

2 cloves garlic (minced) 🧄

⅓ cup olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor) 🫒

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative if needed) 🧀

¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist) 🌰

Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions:
✅ Prepare the Peas: If using frozen peas, thaw them by running them under warm water for a minute or two, then drain.

✅ Blend: In a food processor, combine the peas, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped.

✅ Add Olive Oil: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can adjust the amount of oil to make it thicker or thinner, depending on how you like your pesto.

✅ Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan and blend briefly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference.

✅ Serve: Serve with pasta, as a spread for sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 180 kcal

Protein: 4g

Carbs: 9g

Fat: 15g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and nuts)

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 4g (natural sugars from peas)

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