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Pesto is a popular vibrant green-hued sauce that pairs well with various Italian dishes. This herbaceous-flavoured sauce has its origin in the Genoa region of Italy, and now the flavour rules multiple Italian restaurants all around the globe. Originally, the sauce was prepared in a mortar and pestle, using fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
For those who find the strong, sometimes overpowering flavour of basil too intense or simply want to explore different tastes, alternative pesto recipes offer a delightful way to shake things up. This adaptability makes pesto not just a sauce but a concept that can be moulded to fit whatever ingredients you have, easing the cooking process and inviting creativity into your kitchen.
Spinach And Almond Pesto
Spinach and almond pesto offers a refreshing twist on the classic pesto, making it an excellent alternative for easy cooking. This vibrant recipe combines fresh spinach, toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, delivering a rich, nutty flavour with a touch of earthiness. The almonds add a satisfying crunch and a protein boost, resulting in a nutritious option. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dip, this pesto is versatile and simple to prepare.
Pistachio Pesto
Pistachio pesto is a variation that combines pistachios, fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil, creating a creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour. It's a fantastic alternative for those looking to switch up their usual pesto routine, bringing a unique taste and texture to pasta, sandwiches, and salads.
Kale And Walnut Pesto
Kale and walnut pesto is an alternative recipe that swaps out the usual basil and pine nuts, creating a budget-friendly, nutrient-packed option. With ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and a hint of lemon, this pesto is easy to make and versatile, adding depth to pasta, sandwiches, or salads.
Cilantro And Cashew Pesto
Cilantro and cashew pesto offer a refreshing twist on traditional pesto, bringing vibrant flavours to your dishes. This alternative recipe combines fresh cilantro leaves, creamy cashews, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lime juice, creating a rich and tangy blend. The cashews add a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. It can be an excellent substitute for the classic basil and pinenut pesto.
Avocado Pesto
Made with ripe avocado, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, avocado pesto is both rich and refreshing. The avocado adds a smooth texture and healthy fats for wellness. It's a great alternative for those seeking a dairy-free or vegan option, and its versatile flavour pairs well with pasta, sandwiches, and more, simplifying your cooking while offering a delightful twist.
Pea And Mint Pesto
Pea and Mint Pesto is a refreshing twist on traditional pesto, combining sweet peas, fresh mint, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for a vibrant and flavourful sauce. Blended with olive oil, this pesto offers a lighter, slightly sweet alternative that pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled meats, or as a spread. Its ingredients are simple yet pack a punch, resulting in a quick and easy recipe to elevate your dishes.
Also read, Pesto in a wet grinder? Why not
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this pesto brings a vibrant red colour and robust flavour to pasta, sandwiches, and more. The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness, making them a perfect alternative to traditional pesto, especially when fresh basil is unavailable.
