Green olive and chilli pesto

Green olive and chilli pesto offers a unique blend of briny olives, nutty pine nuts, and a spicy kick from chili powder. This easy-to-make condiment is perfect for enhancing pasta, sandwiches, or grilled meats.

20 Dec 2025
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 cup olives
2 tbsp pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley
Green olive and chilli pesto

Green olive and chilli pesto is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic pesto sauce. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to pasta, sandwiches, or grilled meats, this recipe combines the briny taste of green olives with the heat of chili powder and the nutty richness of pine nuts. It's an easy-to-make condiment that can elevate any dish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Ensure the green olives are pitted.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Roughly chop the fresh parsley.
2. Toast the Pine Nuts (optional):
- In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. This step enhances their flavor but is optional.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- In a food processor or blender, add the green olives, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, chili powder, and chopped parsley.
4. Blend the Pesto:
- Pulse the mixture a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
- With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue to blend until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier pesto, blend less. For a smoother pesto, blend more.
5. Season to Taste:
- Taste the pesto and adjust the flavors as needed. You may add more chili powder if you prefer extra heat, or adjust the olive oil for the desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the pesto into a serving bowl or jar. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator.

You've just prepared a delicious green olive and chilli pesto that is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its bold and tangy flavors, this pesto is a versatile condiment that can enhance a variety of dishes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a week for the best flavor.

Green olive and chilli pesto FAQ:

How long can I store green olive and chilli pesto in the refrigerator?

You can store green olive and chilli pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To preserve freshness, consider drizzling a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.

Can I substitute the pine nuts in this pesto recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each will slightly alter the flavor but will still work well in the recipe.

What can I use green olive and chilli pesto with?

This pesto is versatile; you can use it with pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a dip. It adds a flavorful kick to many dishes!

How do I know when the pesto is done blending?

The pesto is ready when it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend less, and for a smoother pesto, continue blending until fully combined.

What if my pesto is too thick?

If your pesto is too thick, you can add more olive oil gradually while blending until you reach your desired consistency. Adding a splash of lemon juice or water can also help thin it out.

Tips:

- For a smoother consistency, process the ingredients in a food processor until the mixture is very fine.

- The quality of olive oil can make a big difference in the flavor of your pesto. Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.

- If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a less spicy variety of chili.

- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the pesto.

- Feel free to experiment with additional herbs such as basil or cilantro to create your unique version of this pesto.

Nutrition per serving

10 Servings
Calories 50kcal
Protein 0.82g
Carbohydrates 2.54g
Fiber 0.89g
Sugar 0.20g
Fat 11g

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