Best Almond Herb Pesto Recipes

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ALMOND-HERB PESTO



Almond-Herb Pesto image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Yield Makes 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 chopped garlic clove
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
3 packed cups mixed fresh tender-herb leaves (such as mint, basil, tarragon, cilantro, and flat-leaf parsley)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Steps:

  • Pulse together garlic, almonds, tender-herb leaves, olive oil, and Parmesan in a food processor until finely chopped. Season with salt. Pesto can be stored in refrigerator, with plastic wrap pressed directly onto surface, up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 g, Cholesterol 2 g, Fat 16 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 98 g

WHOLE-WHEAT SPAGHETTI WITH HERB-ALMOND PESTO AND BROCCOLI



Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Herb-Almond Pesto and Broccoli image

A snappy almond-and-herb pesto is a fresh departure from the classic pine-nut-and-basil version. For an even more nutritious variation, add three tablespoons ground flaxseed to the pesto.

Yield serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
1 1/4 ounces whole blanched almonds, toasted (page 53)
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
1 garlic clove
1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh tarragon leaves
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 heads (2 1/4 pounds) broccoli, cut into small florets (about 6 cups)
3 tablespoons part-skim ricotta cheese
Lemon wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid; drain pasta.
  • Pulse almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest along with the lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; process until finely chopped. With machine running, gradually add 2 tablespoons oil and the reserved cooking water; process until pesto is smooth. The pesto will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 1 month in the freezer; store in an airtight container, covered with a thin layer of olive oil. To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature (never heat it), pour off extra oil from top, and stir in a little water, if necessary, to achieve the proper consistency.
  • Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. When hot, add broccoli and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; season with pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until broccoli is lightly browned and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add pasta and pesto; toss to coat.
  • Divide pasta among six bowls. Dollop with ricotta, and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon zest, dividing evenly. Squeeze lemon wedges over tops, and serve immediately.
  • (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 345
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 3mg
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Sodium: 448mg
  • Fiber: 14g

WHOLE-GRAIN SPAGHETTI WITH HERB-ALMOND PESTO AND BROCCOLI



Whole-Grain Spaghetti with Herb-Almond Pesto and Broccoli image

Whole-grain spaghetti stands up to a snappy herb pesto; part-skim ricotta tops it off.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 ounces whole-grain spaghetti
1 1/4 ounces whole blanched almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice plus more for serving
1 garlic clove
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh tarragon leaves
2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
2 1/4 pounds broccoli, cut into small florets (about 6 cups)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons part-skim ricotta cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta; cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Set aside.
  • Pulse almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Add half the lemon zest, the lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; process until finely chopped. With machine running, gradually add oil and the reserved cooking water; process until smooth. Set pesto aside.
  • Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Working in batches if needed, add broccoli, pepper, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; cook, tossing occasionally, until broccoli is lightly browned and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add pasta and pesto; toss to coat. Divide among 6 bowls. Top with ricotta; sprinkle with remaining zest, dividing evenly. Squeeze lemon juice over tops.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 g, Cholesterol 3 g, Fiber 14 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 448 g

ALMOND ENCRUSTED TURKEY TENDERLOIN WITH HERB PESTO



ALMOND ENCRUSTED TURKEY TENDERLOIN WITH HERB PESTO image

Categories     Dinner

Number Of Ingredients 12

turkey breast
egg
almonds 3/4 cup
mint
parsley
parmesan cheese
panko
canola or grapeseed oil
garlic
spinach
olive oil
lemon juice

Steps:

  • see recipe

Almond herb pesto recipes are popular pesto variants that are a delicious and nutritious alternative to the traditional basil pesto. This herb pesto is made with a blend of fresh herbs, almond, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The almond herb pesto recipes are versatile enough to be used as a pasta sauce, as a spread, or as a dip. In this article, we will discuss what almond herb pesto recipes are, the ingredients used, and the benefits of this variation of pesto.

Ingredients Used in Almond Herb Pesto Recipes

The key ingredients used in almond herb pesto recipes include:
Fresh Herbs:
Almond herb pesto recipes use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil. The herbs are what give this variation of pesto its unique flavor profile.
Almonds:
Almonds are the nut component of almond herb pesto recipes. They add a nutty flavor, a smooth texture, and are also a good source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium.
Parmesan Cheese:
Parmesan cheese is a hard, salty cheese that gives almond herb pesto recipes their distinctive flavor. It also adds more texture and richness to the pesto.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is used to give pesto its signature smooth and silky texture. It is also a source of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Benefits of Almond Herb Pesto Recipes

There are several benefits of consuming almond herb pesto recipes, including:
Nutrition:
Almond herb pesto recipes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, while the fresh herbs are packed with vitamins and minerals.
Taste:
Almond herb pesto recipes have a unique and delicious flavor. The fresh herbs give the pesto a fresh and earthy flavor, while the almonds add a nutty taste to the mix.
Versatility:
Almond herb pesto recipes can be used in a variety of dishes, making them a versatile ingredient to have in your kitchen. You can use them as a pasta sauce, a spread on sandwiches, or as a dip.
Easy to Make:
Almond herb pesto recipes are easy to make and require no cooking. All you need is a blender or a food processor, and you can whip up a batch of almond herb pesto in minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, almond herb pesto recipes are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional basil pesto. They are made with fresh herbs, almonds, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, making them a nutritious and flavorful ingredient in a variety of dishes. The almond herb pesto recipes are easy to make, versatile, and packed with nutrition. So, next time you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious ingredient for your meal, give almond herb pesto recipes a try!
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes – pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more. Traditionally, pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. However, you can make pesto with a variety of herbs and nuts, including almonds. Almond herb pesto is a healthier and more affordable alternative to the classic pine nut pesto. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect almond herb pesto.

Tip #1: Choose the right herbs

The key to making flavorful almond herb pesto is choosing the right herbs. While basil is the traditional herb used in pesto, there are a variety of herbs that can be used, including parsley, cilantro, mint, and arugula. When choosing your herbs, consider their flavor profile and how they will complement the almonds.
Parsley
Parsley has a fresh and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with almonds. It is also a good choice if you want to avoid the strong flavor of basil.
Cilantro
Cilantro has a bright and citrusy flavor that complements the nuttiness of almonds. It also adds a pop of color to the pesto.
Mint
Mint adds a refreshing and sweet flavor to pesto. It is a good choice if you want to make a pesto that is lighter and less intense than traditional basil pesto.
Arugula
Arugula has a peppery and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with almonds. It also adds a unique texture to the pesto.

Tip #2: Toast the almonds

Toasting almonds before adding them to the pesto will bring out their nutty flavor and give the pesto a more complex taste. To toast almonds, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Let the almonds cool before adding them to the pesto.

Tip #3: Use fresh garlic

Garlic is an essential ingredient in pesto, adding a pungent and sharp flavor. However, using old garlic can make your pesto taste bitter and off-putting. Always use fresh garlic when making pesto for the best flavor.

Tip #4: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami flavor to pesto. However, using low-quality Parmesan cheese can give your pesto a grainy texture and a bland taste. Invest in a good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best results.

Tip #5: Use a food processor

While you can make pesto by hand using a mortar and pestle, using a food processor is faster and more convenient. A food processor will also give your pesto a smoother and more consistent texture.

Tip #6: Add olive oil gradually

Adding olive oil gradually to your pesto while blending it will help you achieve the perfect consistency. Start by adding only a small amount, and blend the pesto until it is smooth. Add more olive oil as needed until you achieve the desired consistency.

Tip #7: Season with salt and pepper to taste

Salt and pepper are essential ingredients in any pesto recipe. However, adding too much salt can overpower the other flavors in the pesto. Start by adding a small amount of salt, and taste the pesto as you go. Add more salt and pepper as needed until the pesto is balanced and flavorful.

Conclusion

Almond herb pesto is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional basil pesto. By following these tips, you can make the perfect almond herb pesto every time. Experiment with different herbs and nuts to create your own unique pesto recipes. Enjoy!

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