Lemon Pesto
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.
This bright and zesty lemon pesto recipe comes together quickly with the use a food processor. It’s a great addition to pasta or bread!
Would you like to save this?
Enter your email below and we'll send the link straight to your inbox.
Pesto is such a great sauce to add to pasta and this lemon pesto is a must-try!
Unlike our creamy basil pesto, we use ground almonds to add flavor and heartiness. Parmesan is also added for extra richness.
We love a simple pesto sauce but want to add a little something extra to this one. We tossed in the zest and juice of one lemon and wow, was that a great choice.
The result is bright and herby with a touch of nuttiness from the almonds. It’s just so good.
Our favorite way to use this lemon pesto is over pasta with additional parmesan and red pepper flakes to top it.
If you are a fan of pestos, you might also like our red pepper romesco sauce!
Ingredients
It takes just a handful of simple ingredients to make lemon pesto.
How to Make Lemon Pesto
You can have homemade lemon pesto in just a few short minutes!
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
- Process the almonds until finely chopped. Add the garlic and blend for a few seconds.
- Add basil, parmesan, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Process, for a few more seconds then with the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil in a slow steady stream.
- Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.
Ways to use Lemon Pesto
- Mix into freshly cooked pasta.
- Serve over chicken breasts.
- Serve it as a dip for fresh vegetables.
- Serve it as a topping over freshly cooked vegetables.
- Spread it over hot crusty bread.
- Use it as a sauce for pizza.
Storage
To refrigerate lemon pesto, store it in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Be sure to place a piece of plastic wrap over the pesto and press it down so it’s flush against the surface before topping it with a lid.
Lemon Pesto
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole unsalted almonds
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 cups basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan
- 1 medium lemon, zest and juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place almonds in a processor and process for 1 minute, until finely chopped.
- Add garlic and process for 10 more seconds.
- Add basil, parmesan, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper. Process, for 10 more seconds then with the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil in a slow steady stream.
- Once all the olive oil is added, stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Process again until the ingredients are almost smooth. Add up to ¼ cup more olive oil depending on how thick or thin you want the pesto.
- Place pesto in a jar with a lid and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is for convenience and as a courtesy only. It is not guaranteed to be accurate because nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and brands you used in the recipe.
Followed the recipe except using toasted pine nuts instead of almonds (I didn’t have almonds, but will try with almonds next time)… Turned out amazing…
I use pesto as a dressing, not a sauce, so just drizzled it over some freshly cooked linguine, and added grilled king prawns and some freshly grated parmesan… Stunning!
Thank you!