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–+ servings
pesto in a small jar next to a half of a lemon.
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4.91 from 10 votes

Small Batch Spinach Pesto

This small batch spinach pesto is fresh, flavorful, and comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword: dip, pesto, sauce, spinach, spinach pesto
Servings: 8 tablespoons
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Add everything to a food processor or blender.
  • Blend until well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  • If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of olive oil or water to thin it out.
  • Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Use right away or store for later.
    Yields about ½ cup

Notes

    • Use Fresh Spinach: Frozen spinach adds excess moisture and can dilute the pesto.
    • Toast the Pine Nuts: Lightly toasting brings out a richer, nuttier taste.
    • Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to maintain freshness.
    • Adjust Texture: Blend less for a chunkier consistency or longer for a smoother pesto.
 
Toasting Nuts for Better Flavor
Toasting pine nuts brings out their rich, nutty taste, making the pesto even more flavorful. While optional, I highly recommend it. Just be sure to watch them closely—they can go from golden to burnt fast.
To toast a small amount:
  1. Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the pine nuts and stir frequently until they turn golden brown.
  4. Immediately transfer them to a plate to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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