We adore the classic, rich flavor of a traditional basil pesto, but we also have fun playing with alternative ingredients to create different flavor and texture combinations. Check out some of our favorite pestos and suggested recipes for pesto meals.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups pesto
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
4 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Wash basil leaves and thoroughly dry by patting with paper towels. Place basil leaves and garlic into a food processor and pulse until the basil and garlic is finely chopped then slowly add the oil until well combined.
Add in the pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice and process until the pesto is mostly pureed and well mixed.
Season to taste with salt and fresh ground black pepper and pulse a few times more.
Store in the refrigerator in a sealed reusable container for up to a week.
Carrot Top Pesto
Serves a crowd
INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch carrot tops, washed and roughly chopped
3 tablespoons capers
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 cup pistachios, shelled
2/3 cup olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
This recipe is actually kind of a pesto and tapenade mash up, with nuts (which is typical of pesto) and capers (which is typical of tapenade).
In a food processor or blender, mix the carrot tops, capers and garlic until roughly combined. Add the pistachios and while blending, drizzle the olive oil in. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cilantro-Parsley Pesto
Makes 1 cup pesto
INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch parsley
2 tablespoons pistachios, shelled
1-2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
You can make this pesto in a food processor or by hand. If you make it by hand, just chop everything up very fine and mix together until well combined. .
Remove the large parts of the stems from the cilantro and parsley. Put them in a food processor and pulse for a few seconds to make room for the other ingredients.
Add in the pistachios, garlic and lemon juice and blend. With the food processor running, pour the olive oil into the pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix into your favorite pasta, eat with crackers, mix into scrambled eggs or spread on a tortilla.
Fennel Frond Pesto
Makes approximately 1/3 cup pesto
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup fennel fronds, torn from stalk and roughly chopped
3 tablespoons pistachios
1 garlic clove
3 tablespoons olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients until smooth and combined. Enjoy on sandwiches, stirred into your favorite pasta or as a dip.
Find more pesto variations and suggested recipes for a delicious pesto meal any time of the year.
Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado & Chickpeas
Oven Risotto with Kale Pesto
Glowing Green Pesto Pasta
Walnut-Sage Pesto Corkscrews with Chanterelles
Pistachio Pesto with Zucchini Noodles
How To Add Produce and Farm Products for these Recipes To Your Delivery: CSA members - head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. The Market is open from noon on Thursday until 10 am, 2 days before your scheduled delivery day. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button "Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products" to add the products to your delivery.
Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood.
