5-Minute Easy Spinach Pesto

Name: 5-Minute Easy Spinach Pesto
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 cups spinach (can also use basil, arugula or any greens!); 1 clove garlic; 1/3 cup pine nuts; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; pinch of pepper; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/2 lemon

Oct 3, 2018 / by Laney Schwartz / 78 Comments(updated Nov 6, 2023)

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★★★★★ from 37 reviews

This 5 Minute Easy Spinach Pesto is perfect any time you need a bold, savory flavor. Made with simple ingredients like spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil – it’s sure to become your new favorite sauce!

Pesto is a classic sauce that originated in Italy but has become popular all over the world! It’s typically made with crushed garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice, and basil blended together to make a bright green sauce that’s packed with flavor.

Can pesto be made with spinach instead of basil? Yes! This easy pesto recipe is made with spinach instead of basil. Fresh spinach adds a beautiful green color and an extra nutrition boost. Plus, spinach is easy to find in most grocery stores – making it an inexpensive way to add flavor and texture to any dish.

The best part about this pesto is how easy it is to make! Simply add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have a delicious spinach pesto perfect for Grilled Flank Steak, Pesto Pasta Salad, an Open Faced Breakfast Sandwich, and more!

Watch how to make it

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pesto can be used in various ways in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or on top of meats like steak and chicken to give them a boost of flavor.
Easy to make! Ready in just 5 minutes. All you need to do is blend until smooth.
Healthy spinach is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber which adds nutrition to any dish.
Pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to ten days or can easily be frozen for later.

Ingredients you’ll need

bowls of ingredients on a board like spinach, oil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese and lemon

Spinach – While traditional pesto recipes use basil, spinach is mild and easy to find. You can also use your favorite greens.
Garlic – No Italian recipe would be complete without the bold and savory taste of fresh garlic.
Pine Nuts – These nuts offer a mild and nutty flavor to the spinach pesto along with a hearty texture.
Parmesan Cheese – The salty and sharp taste of Parmesan cheese is what really makes this spinach pesto pop!
Oil – Olive oil adds an extra layer of richness to the spinach pesto and helps keep the ingredients uniform when blending.
Lemon Juice – A fresh splash of citrus acidity brightens up the overall flavor of the pesto.
Salt and Pepper – Used to taste, these two seasonings work together to balance and enhance this delicious sauce.

The Home Cook’s Guide to Salt

Learn about the basics of salt, plus the best salt for cooking (hint: it’s Kosher salt!) with this easy-to-understand guide to salt for home cooks.

How to Make Spinach Pesto in 5 Minutes

pesto ingredients in a food processor — Add you ingredients to a food processor

pesto in a food processor — Blend for about 30 seconds

oil being poured into a food processor — Drizzle in the oil oil

Prepare your ingredients: Measure out your ingredients.

Add to a food processor: Place the measured ingredients in the bottom of the food processor with the blade attachment.

Pulse and blend: Start by pulsing the food processor to break up the pine nuts. Then, blend until the pesto is smooth but still gritty.

Remove and serve: Using a rubber spatula or spoon, place the pesto in an airtight container or sealed jar. Use on your favorite dishes and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Start by pulsing the food processor to break up the ingredients instead of going full speed right away. To help it blend easier, you can pre-chop the spinach.
You want the texture to not be completely smooth but still have a little grit and texture to it.
For best results, store the pesto in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations

Change up the greens: Pesto is highly versatile and can be made with many different types of leafy greens, including spinach, arugula, kale, and even herbs like parsley and cilantro.
Swap out the nuts: While pine nuts (pignoli) are what is commonly used in pesto, feel free to make your pesto with other types of nuts, including walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
Change out the citrus: Instead of lemon juice, try using other citrus fruit juice to change up the flavor with orange, lime, or even grapefruit.
Switch out the cheese: The salty and sharp flavor of parmesan cheese can be replaced with other cheeses, such as pecorino romano, fontina, or asiago cheese.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some extra heat to the spinach pesto.

pesto in a bowl and scooped onto a spoon

Storing and Freezing

Storing: For best results, store the pesto in a clean and sanitized jar with a tight lid. This will help keep the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown. It will also help it last up to 10 days.

Freezing: The best way to freeze pesto is by scooping it into an ice cube tray. Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag so they can be easily stored and used when needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding to recipes.

FAQ

Why is my spinach pesto bitter?

If your spinach pesto tastes bitter, it is likely due to the spinach that was used. Make sure the spinach is fresh and not wilted or soggy, as this can affect the taste.

Is pesto meant to be heated?

This sauce is best consumed raw to preserve the fresh flavors. However, it can be added to warm or hot foods like pasta which won’t affect the flavor.

How do I keep pesto from turning brown?

When exposed to air, pesto can quickly turn brown. To avoid this, store it in an airtight container and add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing it with a lid. This will help preserve the vibrant green color for up to 10 days.

More Easy Pesto Recipes

Pea Pesto

Asparagus, Burrata, and Pesto Pizza

Basil Pistachio Pesto

Pesto Tomato Pizza Rolls

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