Parsley Pesto

Brighten up your meals with the vibrant flavors of homemade Parsley Pesto—a fresh, herbaceous twist on the classic basil version. This quick and easy recipe combines nutrient-packed parsley leaves, nutty Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts (or walnuts for a cost-effective alternative), and a hint of zesty lemon juice for a beautifully balanced taste. The aromatic garlic and silky smooth extra-virgin olive oil bring it all together, creating a versatile condiment ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats and vegetables, this parsley pesto is as flexible as it is delicious. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a convenient option for meal prep enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to liven up dinner or impress guests with a unique condiment, this parsley pesto is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh parsley leaves, tightly packed
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup pine nuts (or substitute walnuts)
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the parsley leaves thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Make sure the leaves are dry to avoid adding excess water to the pesto.

Step 2

Toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the parsley, Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, garlic clove, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Pulse the food processor a few times to coarsely chop the ingredients.

Step 5

While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until the mixture reaches your desired consistency—smooth or a little chunky, depending on preference. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl as needed.

Step 6

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 7

Transfer the parsley pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(732.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1749.4

Total Fat 166.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 2817.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 8.6g
Protein 52.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1999.8mg	0%
Iron 31.5mg	0%
Potassium 4647.3mg	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: 80.6%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 8.1%