Fresh Friday Finale: Spinach Pesto

Since we are coming to the end of summer, I thought it would be appropriate to finish out Fresh Friday with something that can be molded into a summer or a fall/winter dish.

Pesto is so incredible versatile, and as I found out this week, extremely easy to make! All you need is a food processor and your ingredients and you have pesto in less than five minutes.

Oh what did I do before I had a food processor???

In case you've missed my Fresh Friday series, here are the previous ones I have done:

1. Bruschetta
2. Vegetarian Sandwich
3. Lox & Avocado Cream Cheese
4. Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers
5. Fruit Salad
6. Taco Salad
7. Purple Green Smoothie
8. Kale Chips
9. Hummus Fresh Veggie Wrap
10. Exploding Fruity Fireworks for Labor Day

P.S. Notice the evolution of picture taking. It is so nice having some proper lighting and props :) I still have a lot to learn, but I am much happier with my more recent photos!

Spinach Pesto | Printable Recipe
makes about 3 cups

ingredients:

• about 2 cups lightly packed spinach
• 2.25oz (1/2 cup) pine nuts
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, or consistency to your desire
• freshly ground sea salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2-3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

directions:

1. Lightly toast the pine nuts in a pan over medium-high heat
2. Add all ingredients except the olive oil into the food processor
3. Turn processor on "LOW" and process, and add a steady stream of the olive oil while it is processing
4. Stop when it gets to the consistency you desire, or once the 1/3 cup is added
5. Store in air tight container and enjoy within a few days
6. Use in your favorite recipe or with pita chips dipped in the pesto

Adapted from Giada de Laurentiis

If you're looking for some recipes to use pesto in, here are some great ones :)

1. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Bacon by Picky Palate 
2. Grilled Potato Pesto by Two Peas and their Pod 
3. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Goat Cheese by Table for Two 
4. Toasted Walnut Spinach Pesto Pasta by Family Fresh Cooking 
5. Crunchy Lemon Pesto Salmon by Chocolate & Carrots 

Have a great weekend everyone :)