Dandelion Pesto Garlic Pine Nuts (Printable Version)

A bright blend of dandelion greens, garlic, toasted pine nuts, and cheese for a versatile flavorful sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Greens & Herbs

01 - 2 cups fresh dandelion greens, washed and trimmed
02 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, optional

→ Nuts & Cheese

03 - 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
04 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Aromatics

05 - 2 large garlic cloves, peeled

→ Liquids

06 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Seasoning

08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and cool slightly.
02 - In a food processor, combine dandelion greens, basil if using, garlic cloves, cooled toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped.
03 - With the processor running, gradually stream in the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
04 - Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning or lemon juice as desired.
05 - Transfer pesto to a jar or serving bowl. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to one week.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Harnesses the fresh, slightly bitter flavor of dandelion greens for a unique pesto experience.
  • Simple ingredients come together quickly, requiring no cooking time.
  • Versatile condiment suitable for pasta, sandwiches, dips, and more.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free, fitting a variety of dietary needs.
02 -
  • Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning and bring out their nutty aroma.
  • Gradually add olive oil while processing to achieve a smooth texture.
  • Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to balance bitterness to your taste.
  • Store pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness.
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