Lemon-Thyme Pesto
A vibrant lemon-thyme pesto with fresh herbs and citrus, perfect for enhancing seafood, pasta, or salads with bright, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the parsley, pine nuts, dried thyme, lemon peel, and lemon juice in a food processor.
- Gradually add the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth.
- If the pesto is too dry, add more olive oil spoonful by spoonful.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over shrimp, pasta, or salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. To enhance the flavor, use fresh thyme instead of dried. This lemon-thyme pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon-thyme pesto pairs beautifully with shrimp, pasta, or salad. Try it as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for Pita Crisps. It also complements grilled chicken dishes perfectly or can be drizzled over roasted vegetables for added flavor. For a refreshing touch, serve with a side of mozzarella-tomato canapes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Thyme Pesto contains roughly 117 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (72% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dried parsley instead of fresh?
While dried parsley can be used in a pinch, it won’t provide the same vibrant flavor as fresh. If you must use dried, reduce the amount since it is more concentrated. Fresh herbs are always recommended for the best taste in pesto.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the pine nuts entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. This will change the flavor slightly but will still yield a delicious pesto.
What dishes can I use this pesto on?
This lemon-thyme pesto is versatile! Use it drizzled over grilled chicken, tossed with pasta, or as a zesty dressing for salads. It can also elevate roasted vegetables or act as a flavorful dip for fresh bread or Pita Crisps.
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).