An Alternative Version of Classic Pesto
When you think of pesto, you probably imagine Pesto alla Genovese, the classic version from Genoa in northern Italy. It blends crushed garlic, pine nuts, salt, basil, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
These ingredients have been staples since ancient Roman times, and the tradition remains strong today. The name itself comes from the Italian verb pestare, meaning “to pound” or “to crush,” a nod to the mortar and pestle method once used in every Italian kitchen.
But pesto doesn’t stop at basil and pine nuts. Modern home cooks love experimenting with new flavors while keeping the spirit of pesto alive. Spinach walnut pesto is a perfect example. It delivers the same creamy, vibrant texture as the original, but with a slightly earthier, nuttier profile. Spinach makes the sauce more affordable and accessible, while walnuts add depth and richness. Parmesan ties it all together with salty, savory notes.
You can whip up this pesto in minutes using a food processor or blender, making it a versatile sauce for pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—exactly what pesto was always meant to be.
Spinach Walnut Pesto Recipe
Ingredients
- olive oil
- 4 ounces spinach washed and dried
- salt & pepper
- 2 tablespoons shallot finely minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons shelled walnuts finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers finely chopped
- ⅔ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and prep as necessary.
- In a medium non-stick pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium heat until the oil is hot.
- Add the spinach, season with salt & pepper, and saute until the spinach wilts - about 2 - 3 minutes. STIR FREQUENTLY
- When done, transfer cooked spinach to a strainer and strain over the sink or into a bowl as much of the liquid as you can by pressing down on the spinach with a wooden or plastic serving spoon.
- Discard the liquid and transfer the spinach to a cutting board.
- Finely chop the drained spinach and transfer to a bowl.
- Add 4 tablespoons of the minced shallot plus the vinegar to the bowl.
- Add the walnuts, capers and Parmesan cheese to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- The goal is to make a rough paste by adding a little olive oil at a time until you have a nice consistency of pesto. You may even want to try using a mortar & pestle or food processor to create an even finer texture.
Notes
What Is Spinach Walnut Pesto?
Spinach walnut pesto offers a delightful twist on the traditional basil-based version. It infuses a vibrant green hue and a rich, nutty flavor that complements a variety of dishes. This alternative pesto variation diversifies the palate and introduces added nutritional benefits.
At its core, spinach walnut pesto shares the fundamental components of classic pesto: fresh greens, nuts, olive oil, garlic, and cheese. However, it deviates from its primary ingredients. Instead of basil, spinach takes the spotlight, lending a milder and slightly sweeter flavor profile. Adding walnuts adds a distinct nuttiness and depth, replacing the traditional pine nuts commonly found in classic pesto recipes.
Differences From Classic Pesto
One key difference lies in the texture and consistency. Spinach walnut pesto tends to be smoother and creamier than its basil counterpart, thanks to the tender leaves of spinach and the soft texture of walnuts when blended. This smooth texture makes it incredibly versatile, ideal for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or dolloping onto grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Nutritionally, spinach walnut pesto offers a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spinach is renowned for its high iron content, vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. At the same time, walnuts contribute heart-healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Combined with olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, this pesto variation provides a nourishing boost to any meal.
Another notable aspect is the vibrant green color that spinach imparts, enhancing the visual appeal of dishes. This vibrant hue not only adds aesthetic allure but also signals the presence of beneficial phytonutrients like chlorophyll and lutein.
While classic pesto remains a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, spinach walnut pesto offers a refreshing alternative that celebrates seasonal greens and introduces new dimensions of flavor and nutrition. Whether enjoyed stirred into pasta, smeared on bruschetta, or drizzled over grilled chicken, this versatile condiment promises to elevate any dish with its vibrant taste and wholesome goodness.
What Goes Well With Spinach Walnut Pesto?
Spinach walnut pesto pairs wonderfully with various dishes, offering a burst of flavor and nutrition. Here are several delightful combinations:
| Pairing | Description | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Toss spinach walnut pesto with spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Add sautéed vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini. | The pesto clings to pasta, while the vegetables add texture, color, and freshness. |
| Sandwiches and Wraps | Spread pesto on bread or wraps as a flavorful substitute for mayonnaise or mustard. Layer with grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables. | The nutty, garlicky pesto elevates simple sandwiches and adds moisture without heaviness. |
| Grilled Meats | Use pesto as a marinade or drizzle over grilled chicken, fish, or pork. | The earthy spinach and walnut blend enhances smoky grilled flavors and keeps meat juicy. |
| Vegetables | Toss roasted or grilled asparagus, bell peppers, or eggplant with pesto. | The sauce adds vibrancy and balances the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables. |
| Pizza | Spread pesto on pizza dough instead of tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. | Pesto brings fresh, herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with melty cheese and roasted toppings. |
| Salads | Drizzle pesto over mixed greens or grain salads with quinoa or farro. | The creamy pesto adds richness and ties together leafy greens and hearty grains. |
| Appetizers | Serve pesto as a dip for crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks. | It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing spread that adds color, nutrition, and bold flavor. |
Walnuts
With their distinctively shaped shells resembling miniature brains, walnuts pack a wallop of flavor and nutrition. Native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, they have been a dietary staple for centuries, prized for their versatility and health benefits.
Nutritionally, walnuts are a powerhouse. They are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Additionally, walnuts are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Beyond their nutritional value, walnuts boast a rich, buttery taste with a hint of bitterness that adds depth to sweet and savory dishes. They are commonly enjoyed raw or roasted as a snack but lend themselves well to various culinary applications. From salads and baked goods to pesto and nut butter, walnuts offer endless possibilities in the kitchen.
Moreover, walnuts have numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved brain function, and lower cholesterol levels. Incorporating walnuts into a balanced diet can contribute to overall wellness and enjoyment of delicious, nutrient-dense foods.
UPDATE
What to Do With Leftover Spinach Walnut Pesto?
When we made this pesto to serve with a salmon dish, there were leftovers. A couple of nights later I was looking for a quick & easy meal so I cooked some bucatini pasta, saved a little of the pasta water before draining, plated the pasta, added a little of the pasta water and then a dollop of spinach walnut pesto and stirred to combine.
I finished the dish with a shake of hot pepper flakes. Delicious!
