Save This vibrant, nutty pistachio pesto is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian sauce. By combining fresh basil with the rich, earthy flavor of ground pistachios, you create a sophisticated and aromatic condiment that brings a gourmet touch to any simple meal.
Save Whether you are looking to elevate a weeknight pasta dish or add a flavorful spread to your next charcuterie board, this easy-to-make pesto provides the perfect balance of garlic, cheese, and high-quality olive oil.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (130 g) shelled unsalted pistachios
- 2 cups (50 g) fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place the pistachios, basil leaves, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Step 2
- Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine.
- Step 3
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Step 4
- Taste and add lemon juice if desired, pulsing briefly to combine.
- Step 5
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a perfectly even texture, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of your food processor or blender during the pulsing steps. This ensures every pistachio and basil leaf is integrated into the paste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. If you have a nut allergy, pumpkin seeds can be used as a substitute for pistachios to maintain the green color.
Serviervorschläge
This pesto is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on crostini, or drizzling over grilled vegetables. For a thinner sauce suitable for coating pasta, try mixing in a tablespoon of warm pasta cooking water.
Save With its rich aroma and emerald hue, this Pistachio Pesto is a versatile staple that proves you don't need a lot of time to create something truly delicious and fresh.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What nuts are used in this pistachio pesto?
Unsalted shelled pistachios provide a rich, nutty base for this pesto variation.
- → Can the cheese be substituted for a vegan option?
Yes, nutritional yeast works well as a flavorful alternative to Parmesan cheese in this sauce.
- → How can I adjust the consistency for pasta?
Add pasta cooking water gradually to thin the sauce for easy tossing with pasta.
- → What are some serving suggestions besides pasta?
This sauce is excellent on crostini, as a spread for sandwiches, or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
- → How should the sauce be stored?
Keep the pesto in an airtight container refrigerated for up to five days to retain freshness.