Zesto Pesto Recipe

Get ready to be amazed! This Zesto Pesto, winner of Ready, Set, Cook! #6, is no ordinary pesto. Bursting with fresh spinach and basil, creamy cashews, and zesty lemon, this vibrant sauce elevates any pasta dish. This recipe makes enough to generously coat 1 lb of your favorite pasta. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, yet incredibly flavorful pesto!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Calories 846.7 kcal
Protein 47g
Rating 4.8 (32 Reviews)
Zesto Pesto 13

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Zesto Pesto

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How to Make Zesto Pesto

  1. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and mash into a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns.
  2. In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups packed fresh spinach, 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup dry white wine, 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the zest of 1 lemon, and the garlic paste. Blend until smooth, adding more oil if needed to reach desired consistency.
  3. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. Pour a thin layer of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) on top of the pesto to prevent browning.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This pesto keeps, covered with a thin film of olive oil and chilled, for up to 2 weeks.
  5. Toss with 1 pound of your favorite cooked pasta and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

25 g

Sugar

18g

Fat

39g

Carbs

32g