This homemade spring sweet pea pesto is versatile and bursting with freshness. It can elevate pasta dishes, bruschetta, grilled meats, and more. Discover creative serving ideas and enjoy the season’s essence in every spoonful.

Spring Sweet Pea Pesto Recipe

As the weather warms and the first buds of spring appear, our taste buds naturally yearn for fresh, vibrant flavors to match the season. This is the time to explore spring sweet pea pesto and sweet peas, famous for their delicate sweetness. Often considered a side dish or simple addition to salads, sweet peas take center stage in a culinary twist — sweet pea pesto.

Pesto, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, is a beloved Italian condiment known for its aromatic fragrance and rich flavor. However, adding sweet peas can make this classic sauce unique. It is a great sauce to make and very affordable. Peas are vegetables that even kids will eat, and I remember well that they were frequent guests on our table when I was a child.

The vibrant green color of the peas infuses the pesto with a visual appeal that mirrors the awakening of nature around us. It’s like capturing a slice of spring on your plate.

The sharpness of garlic balances the sweetness of the peas, while the nuttiness of pine nuts adds depth to the sauce. Mint adds freshness, basil adds more flavor, and lemon zest adds brightness to the dish. Parmesan cheese lends its umami richness, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together in a silky embrace. For vegans and people who dont eat dairy, substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast for a savory flavor.

Lets make this spring pea pesto recipie!

Ingredients for Sweet Pea Pesto

Sweet Peas: The star of the show, sweet peas, bring a delicate sweetness and vibrant green color to the pesto. Depending on availability, you can use frozen or fresh peas.
Garlic: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the sweetness of the peas. Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Toasted Pine Nuts: These nutty gems provide texture and depth to the pesto. Toasting them enhances their flavor, giving them a slightly golden hue and a rich aroma. If you have nut allergies, you can use pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Parmesan Cheese: Aged Parmesan cheese lends the pesto a salty, umami-rich flavor. Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for superior taste and texture. Use nutritional yeast if you are vegan.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The backbone of the pesto, extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Choose a high-quality olive oil for the best results.
Mint and Basil: Fresh mint and basil leaves add freshness and herbal notes.
Lemon Zest and Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the dish, balancing flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is essential to balance the flavors. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Instructions

Blanch the sweet peas briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to preserve their bright color.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown, releasing their nutty aroma.
Combine the blanched sweet peas, peeled garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, mint, basil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until finely chopped and well combined.
With the food processor running, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil slowly until the pesto reaches your desired consistency – smooth and creamy, yet with a slight texture.
Season the sweet pea pesto with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

How to Serve It

This spring sweet pea pesto recipe is incredibly versatile sauce and can be served in various ways to elevate a wide range of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful pesto:

Pasta Dish: Toss cooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or farfalle) with sweet pea pesto for a simple yet flavorful meal. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Bruschetta or Crostini: Spread sweet pea pesto on toasted bread slices (bruschetta or crostini) for a vibrant and elegant appetizer. Top with thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of microgreens for added freshness and color.
Grilled Meats: Use sweet pea pesto for grilled meats such as chicken, fish, or pork. Simply spoon the pesto over the cooked protein or use it as a marinade before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle sweet pea pesto over roasted vegetables (such as asparagus, cauliflower, or zucchini) just before serving to add color and flavor. The pesto beautifully complements the vegetables’ earthy sweetness.
Dip: Serve sweet pea pesto for crudites (such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips) or crispy pita chips. It’s a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional dips and spreads.
Stuffed Pastries: Use sweet pea pesto for stuffed pastries or turnovers. Simply spoon a dollop of pesto onto a puff pastry square, fold it over to form a triangle, and seal the edges. Bake until golden brown and crispy for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Garnish: Sweet pea pesto is a great garnish for soups, risottos, or grain bowls. Swirl it into the dish just before serving to add color and flavor.

Equipment

Food Processor: To blend the ingredients into a smooth paste.
Skillet: For toasting the pine nuts.
Cutting Board and Knife
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Small Bowl
Airtight Containers
Optional: Ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) if blanching fresh sweet peas to preserve their color.

Storage

Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to one week.

This spring sweet pea pesto recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian sauce, infusing dishes with spring’s vibrant flavors and colors. Its versatility knows no bounds, whether tossed with pasta, spread on bruschetta, or used as a dip or garnish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, sweet pea pesto invites you to embrace the season’s essence in every culinary creation. Enjoy the taste of spring with every spoonful of this homemade delight.

Enjoy this creamy pea pesto and the spring season!

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