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Garlic & Zest

Gourmet Cooking at Home!

pistachio basil pesto

pistachio basil pesto | Garlic + Zest
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Why now is the time for pistachio basil pesto –

I know most of the country is still shivering from the onslaught of snow and ice, but this time of year is gorgeous for us in South Florida.  And it’s prime time for the farmer’s markets!    The sheer volume of local citrus is daunting!  The tomatoes are heavy, perfumed and ripe!  The fresh herbs are full and fragrant.  Time for pistachio basil pesto.

 

pistachio basil pesto pistachio basil pesto

At one stand, I buy several bunches of fresh herbs every week.  Fragrant bunches of tarragon, thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, dill, basil, cilantro and parsley so intoxicating that each Saturday I restock my supplies.   

 

pistachio basil pesto

Fresh herbs make everything taste livelier, brighter and fresher, don’t you think?  The bunch of fresh basil that I picked up today was no exception.  It was basically a whole basil plant — the roots were still attached.  I brought it home, gave it a good wash in the sink, trimmed away the roots and proceeded to make this easy pistachio basil pesto.

 

pistachio basil pesto pistachio basil pesto

As far as condiments go, I put pesto right up at the top of the list, next to ketchup and mayonnaise (in fact, it’s great mixed with mayo).  It’s as versatile as salsa.   

 

pistachio basil pestoSpread it on crostini or bruschetta, stir a spoonful into a pot of minestrone, smear it on a turkey sandwich, toss it with pasta, or use it instead of tomato sauce on a homemade pizza.  Why not?   If you find yourself with an abundance of basil — you must make this  — also try basil walnut pesto and herbed dip dip.

 

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4.28 from 11 votes

Pistachio Basil Pesto

A variation on the classic!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword basil, pistachio, sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 152kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup pistachios roasted, shelled
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated or shredded
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup olive oil - more if needed
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Combine the basil leaves, pistachios, parmesan cheese, 3 cloves garlic, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until you have a rough chop. Gradually add in olive oil, and continue to blend until a smooth paste is formed.
  • Transfer to a bowl and stir in the lemon juice. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve on crostini, mix into hot noodles or couscous.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 95mg | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 0.6mg
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Sauces & Pestos// Vegan/Vegetarian9 Comments

« Spinach Artichoke Quiche
Sweet Heat Sunshine Salad »

Comments

  1. Joan says

    November 3, 2020 at 1:02 PM

    Can Pesto be frozen and for how long?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      November 3, 2020 at 1:14 PM

      Absolutely. I freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer the pesto “cubes” to a zip top freezer bag. Keep them for up to 3 months.

      Reply
  2. George Franklin says

    October 7, 2019 at 7:27 PM

    This was delicious and a great way to save the last of the basil in the garden before the frost. I made a few alterations. I used 3 to parts pistachio to 1 part walnut, double the lemon, and substituted chilli powder for flakes as I had none.
    Great recipe!

    Reply
  3. Doris says

    March 20, 2019 at 10:03 AM

    My good friend, who’s name is also Lisa from South (west) Florida, gave me this recipe about 5 years ago. OMG it is phenominal!! I always make it at Christmas time and it is a hit. But buying basil for this in a grocery store can be expensive! I would suggest growing your own. It grows so easy (especially in South Florida) and can save a bunch on this recipe.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      March 20, 2019 at 11:22 AM

      Good tip, Doris. I have a particularly black thumb — and generally kill any plant I have… However, my farmer’s market sells basil for $2.50 and it’s the entire plant — roots and all. In my view, that’s a bargain!

      Reply
  4. Marla R Talasky says

    September 1, 2018 at 6:31 PM

    HI Lisa!! Fast forward 2 years. I am harvesting basil and decided to make pesto. I was out of pine nuts and much to my dismay, almonds as well. So, I decided to use pistachios. They would have been my last choice. Not ANYMORE!!! Omg, the best pesto I’ve ever eaten. I’m 52 and a chef. My parents owned gourmet restaurants and catering business, my entire life. KUDOS to you! This is almost like a, ahhh, secret recipe. THANK YOU!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      September 1, 2018 at 8:53 PM

      Maria, thanks so much for your kind words. So glad that you enjoyed the pesto! Pistachios are one of my favorite nuts and I think they play well with these ingredients.

      Reply
  5. Melissa says

    March 16, 2016 at 7:09 PM

    I love everything about this recipe! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      March 22, 2016 at 7:31 AM

      Let me know how you like it!

      Reply

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Meet Lisa

Lisa

Calling all cooks! You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table! At Garlic & Zest, I’ll show you how to make hundreds of seasonal, fresh recipes and indulgent comfort foods with easy step-by-step instructions and photos to help you master the dish.

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