Spinach Basil Pesto

This vibrant spinach basil pesto is incredibly flavorful and only requires 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to make it!

We’re breaking out the green gold today and making the most vibrant homemade pesto you’ll ever lay eyes on! All props go to the almighty spinach.

If you’ve never tried making pesto at home before, now is an excellent time to start! Homemade pesto is a game changer for a variety of recipes and I would even call it an essential base recipe for a home cook to have in their repertoire.

I mean…are you going to argue with that shade of green?? I wish you could taste how insanely fresh this pesto is.

Homemade pesto is surprinsngly easier than you may think because it all comes together with only a few basic ingredients in the food processor in 5 minutes.

Definitely one of those recipes you should consider doubling if you have a bumper crop of basil on your hands! Keep reading for freezing options.

This Pesto features…

• A fresh herby flavor from fresh basil
• A vibrant green thanks to the baby spinach
• Fresh garlic and lots of grated Parmesan cheese
• Minutes to make in the food processor and only 6 ingredients needed

Making the Pesto

(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)

Ingredients You Will Need

• Basil
• Baby spinach
• Pine nuts
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Olive oil

Storing and Freezing Pesto

This pesto stores well in refrigerator up to 6 days. To freeze pesto, we recommend scooping into an ice cube tray, freezing until solid, then transferring pesto cubes to a sealable bag or container and freezing up to 2 months.

Tips for Perfect Pesto

1. Use a food processor – we prefer a food processor because the wider surface area helps the basil and spinach break down easier. A blender will also work, however, you may need to puree it longer and scrape down the sides more to get a smooth pesto.
2. Firmly pack basil and spinach – firmly pack the greens into a cup for measuring.
3. Freshly grate Parmesan – this gives the pesto a rich, nutty Parmesan flavor.
4. Use fresh garlic – you can’t beat the flavor fresh garlic gives pesto.

Recipe Variations

Try these ideas for a different twist on this pesto.

• Use a different green – try kale or an additional cup of basil in place of the spinach.
• Try a different nut – we love using walnuts in place of the pine nuts, but you can also try almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
• Make it spicy – try adding a few dashes of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Uses for Pesto

There are so many ways you can use fresh pesto! Check out our favorite ways below.

• In a sandwich or wrap
• Tossed with pasta or gnocchi
• Tossed with steamed, sautéed, or grilled vegetables
• Drizzled over grilled chicken, steak, or fish
• As a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables
• Spooned over pizza or flatbread
• As a dressing for salad

Once you try your hand at homemade pesto, I guarantee you’ll never go back to store-bought! The fragrant herby flavors from the fresh basil paired with fresh garlic and nutty Parmesan is so delicious and the level of ease just can’t be beat.

Just you wait, you’ll be putting this green gold on everything!

Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

Watch this pesto made step-by-step on Google web stories.

Try these delicious recipes for your pesto!

• Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich
• Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta
• Pesto Zucchini Orzo

This post was updated with new recipe tips and photos on 3/7/24.