Asparagus Pesto
A vibrant, fresh pesto blending tender asparagus, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for a light lunch or dinner over pasta, appealing to vegetable lovers and pesto enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam or microwave the asparagus.
- Drain well and dry.
- In a food processor, pulse pine nuts and garlic with salt until finely chopped.
- Add asparagus and olive oil and pulse until asparagus is coarsely chopped.
- Transfer pesto to a bowl and stir in grated Parmesan.
- Serve over cooked penne or other tubular pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to the pesto. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or cashews can serve as excellent substitutes. Adjust the garlic to your taste, starting with one clove and increasing as desired. For a zesty kick, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this asparagus pesto over cooked penne or other tubular pasta for a delightful meal. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or as a spread on toast. For a refreshing side, consider a Tomato-Mozzarella Salad to complement the flavors. You can also enjoy it as a dip with fresh veggies or crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover asparagus pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the pesto in ice cube trays, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Pesto contains roughly 359 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1924mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before blending. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the pesto.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make asparagus pesto vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. This will maintain the flavor while keeping the dish plant-based.
What other dishes can I use asparagus pesto in?
Asparagus pesto is versatile and can be used in various ways. Try it as a sauce for roasted chicken, a dressing for salads, or even a topping for grilled fish. It also works well in Mediterranean recipes, adding flavor to dishes like grain bowls.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).