Crunchy Parsley Pesto

Elevate your pesto game with this vibrant and textured Crunchy Parsley Pesto recipe, a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Made with fresh parsley, toasted almonds or walnuts, and rich Parmesan cheese, this pesto surprises with the addition of golden-brown panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of bright lemon juice tie it all together, creating a zesty, nutty, and herbaceous sauce perfect for pasta, as a spread for sandwiches, or even as a dip. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Fresh, flavorful, and delightfully crunchy—this parsley pesto is sure to become your new go-to condiment.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup Toasted almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the parsley leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the panko breadcrumbs for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden-brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the parsley leaves, toasted nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.

Step 4

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture comes together into a chunky, yet spreadable consistency.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the toasted panko breadcrumbs. This adds a delightful crunch to your pesto.

Step 6

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Adjust the seasoning or texture as needed, adding more olive oil for a thinner consistency or more breadcrumbs for additional crunch.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a dip, spread, or tossed with your favorite pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, topping with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(469.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	643.5

Total Fat 28.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 3050.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.2g	0%
Total Sugars 8.8g
Protein 49.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1602.2mg	0%
Iron 33.4mg	0%
Potassium 2832.1mg	0%

*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: 36.2%

Protein: 28.2%

Carbs: 35.6%