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Spring Pea Pesto (with Mint and Arugula) First Image

Pea and Mint Pesto


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and fresh pesto made with peas, mint, and almonds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅓ cup Toasted almonds
  • 1 cup Fresh or thawed peas
  • 1 cup Arugula
  • ¼ cup Fresh mint leaves
  • 1 Garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • ½ cup Grated parmesan
  • ½ cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast your Almonds (optional). If you are using untoasted almonds, toast them in a 300F oven for 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the peas. Blanch fresh or thawed peas in salted water for 2–3 minutes, then cool and pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Blend the Base. Add the peas, arugula, mint, almonds, garlic clove, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
  4. Emulsify. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still has a little texture.
  5. Finish. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust with more lemon, salt, or olive oil as needed.
  6. Store or Serve. At this point, you can store your pesto in a glass jar in the fridge. Or toss with short pasta and finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a little extra lemon zest before serving.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, add more olive oil slowly while blending.
  • Great for pasta dishes or as a spread on sandwiches!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg