Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Brighten up your meals with this vibrant Pumpkin Seed Pesto, a delightful twist on the classic recipe that swaps pine nuts for nutty, toasted pumpkin seeds. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a smooth and creamy pesto bursting with fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and savory Parmesan cheese, all brought together by a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This easy, no-fuss recipe is perfect for topping pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or even drizzling over roasted vegetables. Packed with flavor and a touch of crunch, this homemade pesto will quickly become your go-to condiment for elevating everyday dishes. Refrigerate any leftovers to enjoy throughout the week!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the pumpkin seeds.
Step 2
Toast the seeds, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes or until they are lightly golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
Step 4
Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
Step 5
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 6
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, and pulse one final time to combine.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasonings or lemon juice if desired.
Step 8
Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container for immediate use, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (335.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1801.5 |
| Total Fat 176.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 35.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1883.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 25.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.8g | |
| Protein 45.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 567.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1095.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories