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Lemon Balm Pesto

Lemon Balm Pesto is a delightful and refreshing twist on traditional pesto, perfect for elevating your culinary creations. This vibrant herb sauce combines the bright flavors of lemon balm with the richness of pine nuts and olive oil, making it an ideal companion for pasta, grilled meats, or as a zesty dip. With its quick preparation time and versatile applications, this pesto is not only an easy addition to weeknight dinners but also a fantastic option for entertaining guests. Enjoy the burst of freshness that Lemon Balm Pesto brings to your table!

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup lemon balm leaves (firmly packed)
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gather and wash the lemon balm leaves thoroughly. Ensure they are dry.
  2. In a food processor, combine lemon balm leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, chives, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Blend briefly to incorporate any adjustments.
  5. Transfer the pesto into an airtight container for storage.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 7mg

Keywords: For added flavor depth, consider lightly toasting the pine nuts before blending. If you prefer a smoother consistency, gradually add more olive oil during blending. Serve as a pasta sauce or use it as a flavorful spread on sandwiches or wraps.

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