Expert tips

• If using an oil other than olive oil, feel free to add it at the beginning, when combining the other ingredients in the food processor or blender.  Olive oil can develop a slightly bitter taste when blended too much, so it’s always best to add it at the end to ensure minimal processing.
• For a thinner pesto, simply add more olive oil one tablespoon at a time.  Be conservative when adding more oil because a little goes a long way.  You can add more if you need to, but you can’t remove it once you’ve poured it.

See post for variations to make a paleo, Whole30 or AIP pesto.

Variations

• Use different seeds – use hemp or sunflower seeds in place of pumpkin seeds or swap seeds for your favorite nuts. See Substitutes for Pine Nuts.
• Different herbs or leafy green vegetables – cilantro, parsley, spinach, kale or beet greens
• Try a different cheese – such as asiago, manchego or romano
• Elevate the flavor – add sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, charred jalapeno or add in other seasonings such as red pepper or Aleppo pepper flakes or some nutritional yeast
• Add lemon zest – for a more pronounced lemon flavor
• Use different salts – smoked salt or truffle salt is amazing
• Try a different oil – garlic infused oil or truffle oil are tasty options

How to use

• Swirl it in – stir into your favorite soup
• Pizza base – replace tomato sauce for a perfect homemade pizza
• Top your favorite protein – use as a topping for fish, chicken or veggies before cooking
• Mix with eggs – use in omelets or mix into scrambled eggs with ham for a fun green-eggs-and-ham St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.  It’s healthy green food!
• Add to pasta or rice – toss with your favorite pasta or mix into cauliflower rice
• Make a spread – mix with mayonnaise and use as a spread on burgers, sandwiches and more.  Try a making a pesto grilled cheese!
• Avocado toast – make some homemade guacamole and create the best Avocado Toast for an extra special breakfast or lunch
• Dip – this makes a super low-FODMAP dip
• Make chicken or tuna pesto salad – simply mix in with your favorite canned tuna or chicken to top lettuce, make a wrap or quick sandwich with Low Carb Sandwich Thins