Pesto is one of those sauces that’s endlessly adaptable. At its core, it’s a balance of herbs, nuts, cheese, garlic, and olive oil—simple ingredients that, when blended together, create something much greater than the sum of their parts.
In this version, we swap pine nuts for pistachios and add baby spinach to complement the basil. The result is a vibrant, creamy pesto that’s earthy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spooning over roasted vegetables, or spreading onto toasted bread.
The Role of Olive Oil in Pesto
Olive oil isn’t just a supporting ingredient here—it’s what brings the pesto together. A good-quality extra virgin olive oil doesn’t just help emulsify the sauce; it rounds out the flavors, softens the garlic, and adds its own subtle character.
In this recipe, we use Arbequina olive oil, known for its smooth, buttery profile and hints of green fruit and almond. Its mild, clean flavor allows the basil and pistachios to shine, while adding richness and depth.
Whether you’re using this pesto as a dip, a pasta sauce, or a sandwich spread, the olive oil you choose will make a noticeable difference.
Pistachio Pesto Recipe
Ingredients:
-
1 cup fresh basil leaves
-
1 cup baby spinach
-
1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
-
3 cloves garlic
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (Arbequina recommended)
-
Salt to taste
Instructions:
-
In a food processor, pulse the pistachios and garlic until roughly chopped.
-
Add the basil, spinach, and Parmesan. Pulse to combine.
-
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth and creamy. Add more or less to reach desired consistency.
-
Season to taste with salt.
-
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Serving Ideas
-
Toss with warm pasta and a splash of cooking water for a silky sauce.
-
Spread onto crostini or sandwiches.
-
Use as a base for grain bowls or as a finishing drizzle over grilled vegetables.
-
Freeze in small portions to have homemade pesto on hand any time.
This pesto is easy to make, endlessly versatile, and a great way to enjoy seasonal herbs. It also reminds us that when recipes rely on just a few ingredients, the quality of each one really counts.