Easy Spinach Pesto Nut Free Freezer Friendly

Spinach Pesto

My family adores pasta (like so many families I know), and this Spinach Pesto is one of our go-to sauces. I like it because the color stays bright green, the ingredients are straightforward, and it packs a serious punch of vitamins and iron from the spinach. This is, hands down, my favorite way to serve up greens to my kids—that us adults enjoy, too. TIP: Find the rest of my favorite ways to serve greens to kids.

Spinach Pesto Pasta

This recipe makes enough pesto for about 1 pound of cooked pasta, so toss it with your favorite type. It works on any type of pasta you may prefer to use, whether the shape is short or long, made with wheat flour, or a gluten-free option.

Ingredients You Need

To make this easy pesto you’ll need the following ingredients.

Spinach: I usually use baby spinach, but you can use any type that you have access to. You’ll want to use fresh spinach, not frozen.Fresh lemon: We’ll add flavor from both the lemon juice and zest.Olive oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil in this recipe for the best flavor.Grated Parmesan cheese: I find that grated Parmesan, as opposed to shredded, has the best flavor, so that it’s my top pick here.Roasted sunflower seeds: I use these in pesto since they are affordable, flavorful, and great for kids with tree nut allergies. You can also use pine nuts or walnuts if you prefer.

TIP: You may want to add a little salt, depending on the saltiness of the cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the super simple process to make this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information. TIP: We love this as Spinach Pesto Pasta and on Pesto Pizza.

Spinach Pesto Without Nuts

I don’t typically use pine nuts in my pesto because while they do have great flavor, they are often hard to find for those of us who live in smaller towns. And they can be expensive. Roasted sunflower seeds have a nice flavor, are accessible to everyone, and don’t have the same nut allergy concerns that pine nuts do. Win, win! TIP: You can use raw sunflower seeds if that’s what you find at your store.

How to Store

You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or place into zip-top freezer bags (I like pint size) and seal as you remove as much air as possible. Press flat and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before using.

Best Tips for Success

Use a blender or food processor depending on what you have and what you prefer to use.Blend the mixture well so there are no noticeable chunks of any one ingredient.Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the mixture is evenly blended.Taste and add a little salt if needed.Use on Spinach Pesto Pasta, Pesto Pizza, grain bowls, eggs, in soup, or spread on toast.Substitute baby kale for the spinach to make kale pesto.

I’d love to hear your feedback if you make this recipe so please comment below!