Lemon Pesto

Welcome back to Tine + Tumbler! Are you ready to add a splash of sunshine to your meals? Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s going to brighten up your kitchen and your taste buds. Our Lemon Pesto is a refreshing twist on the classic green basil pesto, bringing a zesty, vibrant flavor that’s going to be your go to for every event this summer. It’s perfect for warm, sunny days. Add caprese with an Aperol spritz and this recipe will transport you straight to a hot summer day.

Why Lemon Pesto?

We all love a good classic pesto, but sometimes a little change can make things even better. This Lemon Pesto swaps the usual basil and pine nuts for almonds (which are less expensive), lemon zest, and lemon juice, giving it a bright, fresh flavor that’s perfect for summer. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, as a sauce for pizza, or using it as a dip, this lemony version is sure to be a hit.

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Lemon Pesto

Lemon, almond, parmesan pesto.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds or pine nuts
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2-3 tbsp lemon zest (about 4 lemons)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2-4 lemons)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2.5 ounces grated parmesan (about 3/4 cups grated)

Instructions

1. Add almonds, lemon zest, salt and sugar to a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times to break down the almonds so they are coarsely chopped.

   

2. Add remaining ingredients, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan to the almonds and pulse until combined but still has a little texture. You don't want a smooth paste for this.

   

3. Taste and adjust as needed to get the flavor and texture you prefer.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

• Storage: Store your Lemon Pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors get even better over time.
• Serving Ideas:
  • Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for an easy delicious meal. Add a little of the water from boiling pasta to help the pesto sauce coat and stick to the pasta.
  • Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread on bread or wraps for a tangy twist.
  • Dip: Use it as a dip for veggies or breadsticks at your next gathering.
  • Marinade: Marinate tofu or veggies before grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Pizza Sauce: We eat a lot of pizza and this pesto makes a great base. We love it topped with artichoke hearts, fresh corn and fresh mozzarella.

A Taste of Summer

Lemons have this magical way of bringing brightness to any dish with their glowing yellow color and intense flavor, both from the juice and the zest. They’re equally amazing in sweet and savory dishes, which is why this Lemon Pesto is such a winner in my book. It’s like a little jar of sunshine!

Have you tried this recipe? Share your creations with us on Instagram and tag @TineTumbler. We love seeing how you bring our recipes to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts and other ways to use this lovely lemon pesto.