Rich Pistachio Pesto: Nutty Twist on a Classic Sauce

Bowl of green Pistachio Pesto garnished with whole pistachios and a basil leaf.

Rich Pistachio Pesto: Nutty Twist on a Classic Sauce

Ditch the plain basil sauce and welcome the rich, nutty flavour of this Pistachio Pesto! It’s everything you love about the classic, but with an indulgent, buttery finish that makes everything it touches taste like a gourmet dream. Ready in just minutes using your food processor, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, bread, or even drizzled over grilled meats. Get ready for a flavour upgrade that's truly pesto the rest!
Portions:2
Preparation Time: 5 minuten
Cooking Time:5 minuten
Cost$text{$10 – $20}$ (Due to the cost of pistachios and pine nuts)
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Equipment

Ingrediënten

  • ½ cup 52 g roasted, salted, and shelled pistachios
  • 1 cup 120 g raw pine nuts
  • 20 leaves fresh basil
  • ½ cup 120 ml extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructies

  • Place all the ingredients in a food processor.
  • Process until smooth.
  • Heat in a saucepan before serving.
  • Serve over pasta or spread on toasty bread.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Serving Tip:
This pistachio pesto is incredibly versatile! Drizzle it generously over roasted vegetables, mix it into fresh salads, or spread it on sandwiches for an extra burst of flavour. The creamy texture makes it an excellent, vibrant dipping sauce for rustic, crusty bread. For a beautiful presentation, serve the sauce in a small bowl, garnished with a few whole pistachios 
Wine Advice:
This rich and nutty Pistachio Pesto pairs beautifully with wines that are crisp and clean enough to cut through the oil but have enough body to handle the richness of the nuts. A vibrant, unoaked Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay with bright acidity is an excellent choice. The subtle herbal notes in the wine will complement the fresh basil, while the clean finish will refresh the palate after the buttery pistachios. 

Nutritional Information

Calories: 230 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 21 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 1 g | Salt: 0.4 g
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Recipe Category Condiments / no-bake / Sauce
Country Italian
Season: All seasons
Diets Gluten Free / Vegetarian

The Pistachio Pesto offers a luxurious depth of flavour beyond the traditional Genoese version, thanks to the addition of creamy pistachios alongside the standard pine nuts. This nutty pesto is remarkably easy and quick to prepare, making it a staple in your kitchen for boosting the flavour of simple weeknight meals.

The Role of Nuts and Oil in Pesto

The secret to this rich texture lies in the high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and the mix of nuts. Pistachios not only provide a unique, subtle sweetness but also a gorgeous green hue. Pesto is a truly Italian invention, originating in Genoa, but its ability to adapt to regional ingredients (like substituting walnuts or, here, pistachios) showcases its timeless appeal.

You can easily adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil if you prefer a runnier sauce for dressing salads, or less oil for a thicker spread. For a full Italian feast, serve this sauce tossed with fresh linguine and a side of fresh tomato salad Its versatility makes this Pistachio Pesto an essential element for any home cook looking to elevate their sauces.

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