u003cmeta charset=u0022utf-8u0022/u003eCan I add cheese to this pesto?

u003cmeta charset=u0022utf-8u0022/u003eOf course! If you're not vegan/Whole30/paleo, feel free to add cheese! I'd recommend good quality parmesan or pecorino Romano. Just add it to the food processor with the other ingredients or mix in finely grated cheese at the end.

Can I use other nut or seed butters in this pesto?

Yes! I've also tested mixed nut butter, which usually includes some combination of almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds. We love the Kirkland Mixed Nut Butter at Costco. Trader Joe's has a great mixed nut butter too. I haven't tested other nut or seed butters, but I'm sure this would also be great with cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, etc. If you try other substitutes, let us know how it was in the comments!

Can I make this nut free?

You can! I've tried this without the almond butter, and it's still good. Simply make the recipe as written, but exclude the almond butter. If the pesto is too runny for you, add more spinach.

Spinach Pesto

Description

This spinach pesto is my favorite because it's so easy to make with basic ingredients. I use almond butter in place of pine nuts, add spinach to get my greens in, and leave out the cheese because it tastes great without it. It's vegan, Whole30, and Paleo, and it's so easy and good.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups spinach, packed into a measuring cup

1/2 cup fresh basil, packed into a measuring cup

6 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons almond butter

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

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Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Store in a jar or air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Enjoy this spinach pesto over pasta, chicken, salmon, or whatever you'd like!

Notes

If you'd like to add cheese, I'd recommend good quality parmesan or pecorino Romano. Just add it to the food processor with the other ingredients to taste.
To make this recipe nut free, prepare the recipe as written, but exclude the almond butter. If the pesto is too runny for you, add more spinach.
See our "Meal Ideas" above for recipes to use this pesto in.
Nutritional information is only an estimate.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Sauces

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 165
Sugar: 0.5 g
Sodium: 210.7 mg
Fat: 17.1 g
Carbohydrates: 3.4 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg