Best 5 Mixed Herb Pesto Recipes

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In the realm of culinary creations, pesto stands out as a vibrant and versatile sauce, capable of transforming ordinary dishes into culinary masterpieces. This aromatic sauce, originating from the Liguria region of Italy, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide with its distinct flavors and endless possibilities.

Whether you seek a classic basil pesto, a zesty arugula pesto, or a unique mixed-herb pesto, this article has something for every palate. Dive into the world of pesto with our carefully curated collection of recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved sauce. From the classic combination of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese to the peppery kick of arugula and the herbaceous blend of mixed herbs, these recipes will tantalize your taste buds and inspire your culinary creativity.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

MIXED HERB PESTO



Mixed Herb Pesto image

This Mixed Herb Pesto uses a mixture of 4 different herbs, rather than just basil, so it's a great way to reduce food waste.

Provided by Dannii

Categories     Sauce/Spread

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 garlic cloves
25 g parmesan (grated)
20 g pine nuts
70 ml olive oil
30 g herbs ((we used chives, basil, parsley and coriander))
1 pinch sea salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Add the garlic, pine nuts, herbs and salt and pepper to a small food processor and whizz for a couple of seconds.
  • Add the parmesan to the food processor.
  • Keeping the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil until it is all combined and you have a smooth pesto.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 portion, Calories 196 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 4 mg, Sodium 101 mg

MIXED HERB PESTO



Mixed Herb Pesto image

Fresh, light, and aromatic, this pesto brings together six different herbs, a perfect recipe if you have an herb garden! Use it as you would a basil pesto. Special equipment: a mortar and pestle and/or food processor will be needed. Recipe found online at La Cucina Italia.

Provided by BecR2400

Categories     Sauces

Time 15m

Yield 1 1/2 cups of Mixed Herb Pesto

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup unsalted raw almonds
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh marjoram
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh savory
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup finely grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese or 1/2 cup grana padano
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Finely grind almonds in a food processor.
  • Combine almonds and oil in a mortar. Using the pestle with a rotary movement, grind half of the herbs against the wall of the mortar until combined.
  • Add remaining herbs, cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper; continue to grind until smooth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1170.9, Fat 115.9, SaturatedFat 17.4, Cholesterol 19.2, Sodium 889.5, Carbohydrate 16.8, Fiber 9.2, Sugar 3.8, Protein 26.1

POLENTA NAPOLEON WITH MIXED HERB PESTO



Polenta Napoleon with Mixed Herb Pesto image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 32

2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon minced shallots
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon sambal*
2 zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup tomato sauce, recipe follows
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
28 ounce can whole Italian tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • For the polenta: In a large saucepan combine the milk, heavy cream, water, olive oil, and kosher salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and slowly pour in the cornmeal, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Cover a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Pour the polenta onto the plastic covered baking sheet and spread to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Let cool at least 15 minutes.
  • For the pesto: Puree the basil, mint, cilantro, shallots, and garlic. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, while the food processor is running. Stir in the Parmesan, kosher salt, and sambal.
  • For the lasagna: Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and saute the zucchini slices until lightly golden. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Oil an 8-inch round spring form pan. Spread 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan. Cut the polenta into 3 (7 3/4-inch) rounds. Brush the tops with the Mixed Herb Pesto.
  • Place 1 disk in the bottom of the spring form pan. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of tomato sauce and arrange half the zucchini on top. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Cover with the second round of polenta, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, the rest of the zucchini, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Top with the last polenta round, the remaining tomato sauce, and Parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the spring form pan, cut into wedges and serve.
  • In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic, and chili flakes in the oil until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes (juice and all), tomato paste, and sugar. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes. Cool the tomato sauce for 10 minutes.
  • Puree the sauce in a food processor or food mill. Stir in the extra-virgin olive oil, marjoram, basil, and kosher salt. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • Yield: 6 cups
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Inactive Time: 10 minutes

PISTACHIO MIXED HERB PESTO



Pistachio Mixed Herb Pesto image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     condiment

Time 20m

Yield approximately 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 to 1 clove garlic, peeled
2 cups packed flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon thyme leaves
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves
1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
3/4 cup roasted pistachios
Salt and pepper
2/3 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Into a blender with the motor running, add the garlic and pulse until finely chopped. Add all of the herbs, cheese, pistachios, salt, and pepper to the blender, and blend until finely chopped. With the blender running, add the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture becomes creamy and emulsified.
  • Serve over pasta or use as topping for bruschetta.

MIXED HERB PESTO PENNE



Mixed Herb Pesto Penne image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
About 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, grated or made into a paste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and freshly ground pepper
About 1/2 cup EVOO
1 pound penne pasta
1 small russet potato, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/3 pound haricots verts, trimmed and cut into thirds

Steps:

  • Place the basil, parsley, cheese, mint, pine nuts, thyme, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor and season with salt and pepper. Turn the processor on and add the EVOO in a slow stream, blending until a thick sauce forms. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook for 1 more minute. Add the haricots verts and cook until the pasta is al dente, 2 to 3 more minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the pesto. Drain the pasta, then add it to the bowl with the pesto and toss to coat.

Tips:

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
  • Toast the nuts before using them in the pesto. This will bring out their flavor and make them more fragrant.
  • Use a good quality olive oil. The better the olive oil, the better the pesto will taste.
  • Don't over-process the pesto. You want it to be chunky, not smooth.
  • Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • You can also freeze the pesto for up to 3 months. To freeze the pesto, spoon it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen pesto cubes to a freezer bag.

Conclusion:

Mixed herb pesto is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's great on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads. You can also use it as a dip for bread or vegetables. No matter how you use it, mixed herb pesto is sure to add flavor and freshness to your meals.

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