This nut-free pesto features three spring produce items (broccoli, spinach and basil) and is packed full of flavor. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
1/4cupspinach*a large handful, blanched and cooled
1 1/2cupbroccoli*cooked and cooled
1/4cupcheddar cheesegrated
5basil*medium sized leaves
3tspolive oil
1tsplemon juice optional
Instructions
Remove as much of the liquid from the spinach as you can.
Combine the spinach with the broccoli, cheese, basil, oil, and lemon juice (if using) in a food processor or blender, and process until smooth.
The pesto can be stored in the fridge for a few days – just pour a little oil over the top to stop the air reaching it to prevent it from browning.
You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Notes
You can make the pesto ahead and keep it in the fridge for a couple of days, either drizzle a little olive oil over the top to prevent any air from getting to the pesto, or place cling film directly on the pesto.Leftovers Tips:
This pesto is a great recipe to use up some wilting broccoli or that last handful of bagged spinach.
It is also a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked broccoli. You can spread the pesto on a pizza and make a completely different dish to the previous nights steamed or boiled broccoli.
You can freeze in individual portions (ice cube trays are great for this) and then place the cubes in a small bag for up to 3 months. To defrost, sit at room temperature for an hour.
Uses for Pesto:
Stir through pasta, rice, or gnocchi
Serve as a dip – add some ricotta if you want a creamy dip
Use instead of tomato sauce on pizza
Make pinwheels with it (use instead of spinach pesto in these puff pastry pinwheels)