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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer

    Pistachio Pesto

    Published: Oct 19, 2020 · Modified: Jan 26, 2022 by bobbieblue

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    Pin graphic of the ingredients for pistachio pesto in a food processor

    Need a recipe to use the abundance of basil in your garden?  Try making fresh Pistachio Pesto, which takes only a few minutes in your food processor.  Pesto is delicious in pasta or spread on a warm piece of bread.   Take a few minutes to make your own sauce to give your next meal an authentic Italian experience.  A bowl of pistachio pesto

    (Blue’s Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program.  I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links.  This helps me keep the blog going! -Bobbie)

    While I wouldn't consider myself a green thumb because my vegetable garden seems to have some sort of issue every year, my herbs seem to do fairly well.  Making a fresh pesto is a delicious way to use basil.  Pistachio pesto has so much flavor, you'll want to put it in everything!

    What is pesto made of?

    Pesto is a sauce that originated in Italy.  It usually consists of pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic and salt.  Of course there are many pesto variations that you can make.  My recipe has a combination of arugula and basil. Plus I’ve substituted pistachios for the pine nuts.

    a food processor with ingredients for pistachio pesto

    Here’s what you’ll need for Pistachio Pesto:

    • arugula
    • basil
    • pistachios
    • Parmesan
    • olive oil
    • lemon juice
    • garlic
    • salt
    • pepper

    While I love pesto I find it can have a very strong flavor.  I like to mellow the basil with arugula and brighten the flavor with a bit of lemon juice.  Lemon juice is not in the classic Italian pesto but I like the freshness that it adds to the dish.

    How to make pesto

    Making homemade pesto is surprisingly simple and takes very little time!  You'll never need to buy the jarred pesto again.  I add all of my ingredients, except the olive oil and lemon juice in the bottom of my food processor.  Then I turn on the food processor and slowly pour the olive oil and lemon juice through the top of the chute.

    What goes well with pesto?

    Pesto can be used for so many different dishes!  You can use it on seafood, chicken, or in a pasta dish.  It’s also delicious with a good crusty piece of bread and simply served as a dip.

    How long Can I store Pesto?

    Fresh pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.  The best method for storing is to add your pesto to a small jar and add a thin layer of olive oil over the top.  This will help prevent the air from turning your pesto brown.

    If you will not be using all of your pesto right away it actually freezes well! Divide pesto into an ice cube tray and place into freezer for a few hours until frozen.  This will give you many small servings to easily pop out for your next meal.

    If you try this recipe for Pistachio Pesto, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bluesbestlife on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day.

     

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    Pin graphic of the ingredients for pistachio pesto in a food processor

     

    If you try this recipe for Pistachio Pesto, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bluesbestlife on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day.

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    Pistachio Pesto

    Need a recipe to use the abundance of basil in your garden?  Try making fresh Pistachio Pesto, which takes only a few minutes in your food processor.  Pesto is delicious in pasta or spread on a warm piece of bread.   Take a few minutes to make your own sauce to make your next meal an authentic Italian experience. 
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time0 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: italian cuisine, basil, herbs,
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 275kcal
    Author: Bobbie Blue

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
    • 1 cup arugula
    • ½ cup pistachios
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • juice of 1 lemon
    • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients except olive oil and lemon juice into the bottom of a food processor.
    • Turn processor on and slowly pour olive oil and lemon juice through the chute at the top of food processor.
    • Blend for a few seconds, turn processor off and scrape sides and turn on for a few extra seconds.
    • Once desired consistency, remove and use right away or store.

    Notes

    *Pistachio Pesto can be stored for a few days in refrigerator by placing in a jar with a thin layer of olive oil poured over top.  
    *For long term storage pesto can be frozen.  

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1¼ | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 13.8g | Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 806mg | Potassium: 172mg | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 71mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Catherine

      October 19, 2020 at 9:27 pm

      Oh this looks so good! I'll have to try it!

      Reply
      • bobbieblue

        October 20, 2020 at 10:48 am

        It's so fresh and flavorful, I know you'll love it!

        Reply
    2. Lucie

      October 21, 2020 at 8:09 am

      That looks delicious, and it's an awesome way to get in a little extra protein! I will have to try it!

      Reply
      • bobbieblue

        October 24, 2020 at 10:46 am

        Let me know how you like it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Bobbie! Welcome to Blue's Best Life. I'm a self taught cook that loves to find the balance between healthy dished while still enjoying a truly decadent dessert, because there is always room for a little something sweet!

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