Mint and almond pesto

Enjoy a refreshing twist on classic pesto with this Mint and Almond Pesto recipe. Made with fresh spearmint, crunchy almonds, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, it's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a vibrant dip. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!

  • 15 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 0 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 12 Servings
  • 5 Ingredients

Mint and almond pesto

Mint and almond pesto is a delightful variation on the classic pesto recipe. This refreshing and nutty spread is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to pasta, grilled meats, or even as a dip. The combination of fresh spearmint, crunchy almonds, and savory parmesan makes this pesto a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

1 cup parsley
90g
1/2 cup almonds
60g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1/2 cup olive oil
120g
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
60g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Wash and dry the spearmint leaves thoroughly.
- Measure out the almonds, garlic, olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese.
2. Toast the Almonds (Optional):
- If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Let them cool before using.
3. Blend the Ingredients:
- In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the spearmint leaves, almonds, and garlic cloves. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
4. Add Olive Oil:
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is well combined and smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
5. Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese:
- Add the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture and blend until fully incorporated. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
6. Season to Taste:
- Taste the pesto and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Blend for a few more seconds to mix.
7. Store or Serve:
- Transfer the mint and almond pesto to a jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To keep the pesto fresh, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve the pesto with pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, as a dip for veggies, or as a topping for grilled meats and fish.

Tips:

- For a smoother pesto, blanch the almonds by boiling them for about a minute and then removing their skins. This will also give the pesto a more refined texture.

- Use the freshest mint you can find to ensure the best flavor. Spearmint works wonderfully, but you can also experiment with other varieties if you prefer.

- If you find the pesto too thick, you can thin it out by adding more olive oil, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

- For a dairy-free version, substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.

- Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent oxidation, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.

Creating mint and almond pesto is a simple yet rewarding culinary endeavor. The unique flavors of mint and almonds come together beautifully with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan to produce a vibrant, versatile condiment. Use it to elevate your dishes, impress your guests, and most importantly, enjoy the delightful freshness it brings to your table.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size27 grams
Energy
Calories 50kcal3%
Protein
Protein 2.57g2%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 1.84g1%
Fiber 0.64g2%
Sugar 0.23g0%
Fat
Fat 14g16%
Saturated 2.37g8%
Cholesterol 4.35mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 11ug1%
Choline 3.43mg1%
Vitamin B1 0.01mg1%
Vitamin B2 0.07mg6%
Vitamin B3 0.19mg1%
Vitamin B6 0.02mg1%
Vitamin B9 2.52ug1%
Vitamin B12 0.07ug3%
Vitamin C 0.05mg0%
Vitamin E 1.31mg9%
Vitamin K 0.09ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 60mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.06mg6%
Iron, Fe 0.22mg2%
Magnesium, Mg 16mg4%
Phosphorus, P 54mg5%
Potassium, K 80mg2%
Selenium, Se 2.00ug4%
Sodium, Na 90mg6%
Zinc, Zn 0.38mg3%
Water
Water 1.68g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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