Spinach-Basil Pesto

Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup roughly chopped walnuts
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 2 cups fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated rennet-free Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. 1

   Step 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread out the walnuts on a small rimmed baking sheet and roast in oven for about 12 minutes, giving them a shake after 6 minutes. Continue roasting until golden brown and toasted. Set aside and allow to cool thoroughly.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Fill a large stockpot three-quarters full with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl half way up with ice and water and set close to the sink.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Dump the spinach and basil into the boiling water and stir. After 1 minute, strain the greens, and plunge them into the bowl with ice water. Drain the greens again and squeeze them tightly to get as much water out as possible. Chop the greens roughly.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Combine the greens and walnuts with the salt, olive oil and Parmesan in a food processor and process until a smooth consistency is reached. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired.

5. Bon appetit!