Spinach Basil Pesto

When the majority of us think of basil, we think of the most popular use of basil, pesto.

Pesto is a traditional sauce used in Italian cultures and cuisines. Traditionally made in a mortar and pestle (with a circular crushing motion) with heaps of fresh basil, crushed pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh garlic, and salt and pepper, and used with pasta dishes. There are actually several varieties of basil that are used in other cuisines such as: lemon, sweet, Thai, and holy basil used in Indian, Asian, and Thai cuisines.

Basil is not only the main star in this pesto recipe, it’s flavors are highlighted with the combination of flavors from the other ingredients commonly (and uncommonly) used in pesto. The use of basil pesto doesn’t stop at covering pasta, it can be used in many creative and unique ways, below I share several ideas and my favorite ways to use this pesto.

How to Use Spinach Basil Pesto 

• Spread on toasted gluten free bread with it with fresh avocado and sea salt
• Spread on your favorite sandwich instead of mayonaise or other condiments
• Dip//dollop for proteins (fish, tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, eggs, fish, etc.)
  
• Dip for your favorite vegetables | raw carrots, zucchini, red peppers, roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus, etc.
• Combined with more olive oil and apple cider vinegar for a salad dressing
• Combined with your favorite hummus for a basil kick
• Dip for grapes, watermelon, melon fruits in general (I know this sounds odd, but trust me the flavors marry so well)

Those are just some of my personal favorites and now you see how basil pesto can be full of variety (maybe unexpected) but that’s the beauty of it, experiment away my friends! Now, onto the next reason I love basil, the health benefits. You may be thinking, “basil is just an herb, what health benefits?”