Traditionally, pesto is made with basil. This time of year, it’s not so easy to find organic basil at a reasonable price. Really, the time for basil is summer. And we’re definitely not there yet. Not even close, out here in Colorado.
And yet, I love pesto. All those good greens ground up into delightful, fresh flavors.
Last night, in the mood for something delicious and healthy (in that order), I made pesto using parsley. I always keep parsley in the fridge –it’s a staple for me, as are lemons and garlic. I consider these types of ingredients the building blocks of good food; hence, keeping these items in my kitchen is a must!
Further spurring me in the parsley direction? I ate at the Kitchen recently and this fabulous restaurant has been using copious portions of this herb in several of their salads and main dishes. They recently rolled out a new menu which is completely inspired. If you’re ever in Boulder, I highly recommend this restaurant!
In the meantime, here’s my parsley pesto –a delicious way to get your greens in the winter.
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (dry packed)
- ½ cup pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- In a food processor, place parsley and pulse briefly
- Add sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice and salt, then pulse until almost smooth
- Drizzle in olive oil and pulse again briefly to incorporate
- Serve with gluten-free pasta, sesame crackers or walnut crackers
Top your high-protein, gluten-free pasta with this power packed parsley pesto —parsley is considered a superfood– and you have a dish that not only tastes good, it’s good for you too! Enjoy.
Lisa says
Absolutely delicious! I added some basil and little more lemon. Beautiful combination Elana! Thank you
Rene says
Can this be frozen?
cindy drozda says
How do you get parsley in winter? I’d love to have it all year!
elana says
Szuchi -Great question, I have modified the post to clarify.
Szuchi says
I love your website. Thank you so much!
Did you use sun dried tomato packed in oil or
just dried ones.
Thanks
elana says
Hi ~M,
I don’t have any spaghetti squash recipes at the ready. You could try making the stuffed mushrooms with this pesto, or just toss it over spaghetti squash, that would be delicious!
Elana
~M says
Hi again,
Any recipes that use spaghetti squash now that Papadini rotini no longer exists?
Thanks!
~M
Elana says
Shari-Parsley is one of my favorite ingredients, I use it for so many things. I especially like to juice it with celery and a touch of ginger to make a super healthy green drink. Glad you are enjoying the site.
Elana
Shari N. Leyshon says
Elana,
Inspired indeed!! I love seeing your parsley recipe this morning..parsley is a nutritional star, one that we can grow at home.
I’ve been keeping a lot of parsley on hand..adding it’s green goodness to chunks of crunchy apples and water for a delicious blender drink. Refreshing for me…and could be fun “bug juice” for children…
I agree on the Kitchen restaurant..yes..!
Thanks Elana…I love your site.
Cheers!
Shari