Discover a vibrant lemon pesto sauce perfect for pasta, chicken, or fish. This recipe uses Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and taste like mandarin oranges. The pesto lasts a week in the fridge and freezes well.
It’s made with lemon zest, juice, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. You’ll get about 2 cups of pesto. It’s easy to make, needing just a food processor.
A vibrant bowl of lemon pesto sauce with fresh basil leaves, finely grated parmesan cheese, and pine nuts scattered around, drizzled with olive oil, accompanied by ripe lemons and a rustic wooden spoon, all set on a textured kitchen countertop with soft natural lighting.
Key Takeaways
- Lemon pesto sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes.
- The recipe calls for using Meyer lemons, which provide a sweeter and more citrusy flavor compared to regular lemons.
- The pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
- A food processor or high-speed blender is recommended for blending the ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- The recipe yields approximately 2 cups of lemon pesto sauce, enough to toss with 200g of pasta and serve 2 people.
Understanding the Magic of Lemon Pesto
Lemon pesto is a hidden gem in Italian cuisine, rivaling the classic basil pesto. It comes from the Amalfi coast, famous for its fragrant lemons. This pesto has a unique taste that makes it stand out.
Origins of Italian Lemon Pesto
The story of lemon pesto begins in Campania, Italy. Here, the Amalfi lemons are the stars. Unlike basil pesto, lemon pesto uses lemon zest. This gives it a bright, tangy flavor.
Benefits of Using Lemon in Pesto
Adding lemon to pesto brings many advantages. The lemon’s acidity balances the richness of olive oil and pine nuts. It also keeps the pesto’s color bright and fresh.
Key Differences from Traditional Basil Pesto
While both pestos share some ingredients, lemon pesto is distinctly different. It’s tart and citrusy, with a lighter texture. This makes it a refreshing alternative to basil pesto.
A vibrant bowl of fresh lemon pesto sauce, bursting with bright green basil leaves, finely chopped garlic, and zesty lemon slices, surrounded by pine nuts and olive oil glistening in the sunlight, set against a rustic wooden background with scattered ingredients like fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese.
Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe
Make your pasta dishes pop with this lemon pesto sauce. It’s fresh, zesty, and easy to make. It’s a great choice for a quick dinner or a summer meal.
To make the lemon pesto sauce, you need a few ingredients:
- 4 Meyer lemons, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
In a food processor, mix the lemon zest, almonds, Parmesan, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Then, slowly add the olive oil while blending until smooth.
For the best taste, move the lemon pesto to a bowl. Stir in lemon juice by hand until you like the acidity. This recipe makes about 2 cups of sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for 3 months.
The lemon pesto sauce is great with pasta, grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, or as a spread. Try it with a crisp Gavi wine for a perfect match.
A vibrant bowl of lemon pesto sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon zest, surrounded by ingredients like pine nuts, garlic cloves, and a whole lemon, beautifully arranged on a rustic wooden table.
Conclusion
Lemon homemade pesto sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. This lemon basil pesto recipe can be prepared in just 5 minutes using a food processor. It offers a bright, herbaceous taste that elevates a variety of dishes beyond traditional pesto pasta sauce.
From breakfast burritos to grilled dinners and seafood, this lemon pesto sauce is sure to become a household favorite. The recipe’s adaptability allows you to customize it to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free option, you can easily tailor the pesto to your taste preferences.
With the option to use alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds, you can easily tailor the pesto to your taste preferences. Additionally, the ability to store the pesto sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days makes it a convenient meal prep solution for busy weeks.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting to explore the world of homemade sauces, this lemon pesto recipe is a must-try. With its quick preparation time and delightful flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It adds a touch of brightness and freshness to your favorite dishes.
FAQ
What is lemon pesto sauce?
Lemon pesto sauce is a vibrant sauce. It’s made with lemon zest, juice, parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. It’s a twist on traditional basil pesto, with a brighter, more acidic taste.
How does lemon pesto differ from basil pesto?
Lemon pesto uses lemon zest instead of basil. It has different amounts of other ingredients. It tastes more tart and citrusy than basil pesto.
What are the benefits of using lemon in pesto?
Lemon adds a brighter, more acidic flavor. It also helps keep the pesto’s color better than basil pesto.
What type of lemons are best for lemon pesto?
You can use either regular lemons or Meyer lemons. Meyer lemons taste like mandarin oranges.
How do you make lemon pesto sauce?
Start by zesting 5-6 lemons. Mix the zest with kosher salt, garlic, black pepper, and pine nuts in a food processor. Pulse a few times, then add olive oil slowly while processing.
Finally, mix in softened butter and parmesan cheese by hand.
How long does lemon pesto sauce last?
Lemon pesto sauce lasts up to a week in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. It’s a handy sauce to have around.
How can you use lemon pesto sauce?
Lemon pesto sauce is very versatile. You can use it with pasta, grilled shrimp, chicken, or as a spread. It adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to many dishes.
Source Links
- No Cook Simple Lemon Pesto Sauce for Pasta – https://josieandnina.com/lemon-pesto-sauce/
- Lemon Pesto – Refreshing and Delicious! – https://pinabresciani.com/lemon-pesto/
- Lemon Basil Pesto Sauce – Eating European – https://eatingeuropean.com/lemon-basil-pesto-sauce/
- Sweet Lemon Pesto Sauce – https://beeinspiredgoods.com/blogs/honey-recipes/lemon-pesto-sauce?srsltid=AfmBOooZrGKMcGyoDOJWj2vlQNJyKmatxQq4odIANU_2q_7twTJMlVVB
- Lemon Pesto Zoodles {Vegan + GF!} – https://mindfulavocado.com/lemon-pesto-zoodles/
- An Easy Lemon Pesto You’ll Make Again and Again – https://www.thewinesisters.com/blog/post/the-easy-lemon-pesto-youll-make-on-repeat
- Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta (Quick and Easy Recipe!) – Home Cooking Collective – https://homecookingcollective.com/creamy-lemon-pesto-pasta-quick-and-easy-recipe/
- Garlicky Spinach & Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe | Nashville Wifestyles – https://nashvillewifestyles.com/garlicky-spinach-and-lemon-pesto-pasta-recipe/
- Lemon pesto pasta – FoodyWays – https://foodyways.com/lemon-pesto-pasta/
- Easy Pasta al Pesto (Linguini with Basil Pesto Sauce) – Plant Based Jess – https://plantbasedjess.com/easy-pasta-al-pesto-linguini-with-basil-pesto-sauce/