Best 4 Pepita Pesto Recipes

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Pepita pesto is a vibrant and flavorful sauce made from toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. It's a versatile condiment that can be used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, a dip for vegetables and crackers, or as a marinade for chicken, fish, and tofu. Pepita pesto is also a great way to add a boost of nutrition to your diet, as it's packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.

This article provides two delicious recipes for pepita pesto: a classic version and a roasted red pepper version. The classic version is made with fresh basil, while the roasted red pepper version adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the pesto. Both recipes are easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes. Whether you're looking for a new way to enjoy pumpkin seeds or you're just looking for a delicious and healthy pesto recipe, these pepita pesto recipes are sure to please.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CILANTRO-PEPITA PESTO



Cilantro-Pepita Pesto image

This flavorful recipe is one of the ways I came up with to use all the cilantro in my garden. Serve it with pasta, tortilla chips for dipping or in any dish that needs perking up. -Ami Okasinski, Memphis, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield 1-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
1/3 cup salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, toasted
3 to 4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Place the first five ingredients in a food processor; cover and pulse just until chopped. Add the lime and lemon juices and salt; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 130mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

PARSLEY PEPITA PESTO



Parsley Pepita Pesto image

Provided by Ian Knauer

Categories     Sauce     Food Processor     Quick & Easy     Parmesan     Pumpkin     Healthy     Parsley     Seed     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/3 cup raw green (hulled) pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 small garlic clove
2 cups packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Toast seeds in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden in spots and puffed, about 4 minutes.
  • Mince and mash garlic to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt, then transfer to a food processor. Add parsley and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and pulse until chopped. Add cheese and seeds and process until seeds are finely chopped. With motor running, add oil in a slow stream through feed tube.

PEPITA PESTO



Pepita Pesto image

A mild, nutty-tasting (though nut-free) vegan pesto made with pepitas, parsley, and basil. Tastes great on pasta or bread.

Provided by Becky

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

½ cup fresh parsley
⅓ cup pepitas
1 (2/3 ounce) package fresh basil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Combine parsley, pepitas, basil, lemon juice, water, and garlic salt in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until blended into a coarse meal. Pour olive oil in slowly and pulse a few times until pesto has come together.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.1 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g, Fat 19.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 119.9 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

PEPITA, CILANTRO AND GOUDA PESTO



Pepita, Cilantro and Gouda Pesto image

Pesto steps into Mexican territory with pepitas, cilantro and aged Gouda.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 10m

Yield about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/3 cup lightly toasted pepitas
3 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Kosher salt
1/2 cup coarsely grated aged Gouda cheese
1/2 cup grapeseed oil

Steps:

  • Put the pepitas in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the cilantro, garlic, orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Gouda and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly pour in the grapeseed oil and process until combined. Transfer to a bowl.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh pepitas. If you can't find them, you can also use roasted pepitas, but they will not be as flavorful.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto by hand. Simply chop the pepitas, basil, and garlic very finely and then stir in the olive oil and cheese.
  • Pepita pesto is a versatile condiment. It can be used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, a dip for vegetables, or a sauce for pasta or chicken.
  • Pepita pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Pepita pesto is a delicious and easy-to-make condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It's a great way to add flavor to your favorite dishes and it's also a healthy choice. So next time you're looking for a new way to enjoy pepitas, give this pesto a try. You won't be disappointed!

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