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Lemon Pesto Recipe
Sally Mckenney

Lemon Pesto Recipe

I love making this zesty and vibrant Lemon Pesto! It's bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. With almonds, basil, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon, it’s a pesto that wakes up every dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup whole unsalted almonds
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 3 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Video

Notes

Required Kitchen Tools

Making this Lemon Pesto is simple, but having the right tools makes a big difference:
  • Food Processor: The key tool for blending almonds, basil, and lemon into a smooth, creamy pesto.
  • Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides to ensure everything gets evenly combined.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of nuts, cheese, olive oil, and seasoning.
  • Zester or Microplane: To zest the lemon perfectly and get that bright citrus flavor.
With these tools, creating a fresh and flavorful pesto is quick and hassle-free.