Lemon pesto

Name: Lemon pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Lemon juice 2 tbsp; Lemon peel 1; Peeled almonds &frac13; cup; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese (to grate) 2.1 oz; Basil to taste; Mint to taste; Extra virgin olive oil ½ cup; Fine salt 1 pinch

it fr de es br

Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Vegetarian

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 10 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Lulù Gargari

Lemon pesto is like a burst of sunshine in a jar. It's a fresh twist on the traditional Genovese pesto, bringing those sunny flavors of Liguria straight to your kitchen. And here's the thing, this Italian region is really into adding a splash of fresh lemon juice and a touch of lemon zest to the classic blend of fresh basil and Parmigiano. Seriously good. The result? A sauce that’s not just about the lemon; it combines the nutty richness of toasted almonds and Parmesan cheese, creating a balance between sharp and creamy flavors. For real, this lemon pesto recipe is super versatile, not just for pasta like bavette and tagliolini. In Liguria, you know, it's drizzled over grilled fish or spread on crostini for a quick aperitivo snack. The tangy brightness is awesome—it cuts through any richness, making it stand out compared to the usual basil pesto that folks are used to.

When it's hot in Liguria, lemon basil pesto totally shines as a refreshing option. People might try different herbs like mint or switch almonds for pine nuts, but the key is always that citrus burst. Pretty much. This easy lemon pesto is perfect when you want something light yet flavorful. It goes wonderfully with lemon pesto pasta, really enhances grilled chicken, and transforms roasted veggies or a simple tomato salad. Plus, keeping a jar of homemade lemon pesto in the fridge can make your weeknight meals exciting. Just spread it over warm bread or stir it into soups for an extra zippy kick. It’s the kind of dish that has the laid-back yet flavorful personality of Ligurian cuisine—fresh, simple, and a bit unexpected. Whether you're hosting friends or having a quiet night in, this pesto brings a touch of the Italian Riviera to your table, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Can't go wrong.

How to prepare Lemon pesto

To prepare the lemon pesto, take the zest from the lemon using a peeler 1, then squeeze the juice 2. In a mixer, combine the peeled almonds and lemon zest 3.

Add the lemon juice 4, grated Parmesan cheese 5, and a pinch of salt 6.

Finally, pour in the olive oil 7 and blend everything until you obtain a smooth sauce 8. Scent the lemon pesto with basil and mint leaves 9 and use it for your dishes!

Storage

If you don't consume the lemon pesto immediately, store it in a container (preferably glass) well-covered in the refrigerator for 2 days.

If you want to keep the lemon pesto longer, you can easily freeze it: just divide it into small portions, for example using classic ice cube trays.

Tip

You can use lemon pesto in many different ways: it's perfect for dressing a quick pasta dish, maybe with the addition of zucchini, but it also pairs excellently with fish dishes, white meats, or grilled vegetables. Try it spread on crostini or focaccia for a fresh and original aperitif!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Lemon pesto

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Lemon pesto

Storage

Tip

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