Can You Make Spinach Pesto All Year?

Spinach pesto is a beloved and versatile sauce that can enhance any meal with its bright flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color. While traditional basil pesto is often tied to summer when fresh basil is abundant, spinach pesto offers the advantage of being accessible all year long. Whether you’re using fresh spinach in the warmer months, seasonal greens in the fall, or frozen spinach in the winter, this pesto remains a delicious, nutrient-rich option no matter the season.

So, can you make spinach pesto all year? The answer is yes! With a few simple substitutions and storage techniques, you can always have a batch of homemade spinach pesto ready to elevate your dishes. In this guide, we’ll cover ingredient swaps, storage tips, and creative ways to use spinach pesto in everything from pastas and sandwiches to marinades and dips. Plus, we’ll dive into its health benefits, making it a staple you’ll want to keep on hand year-round.

Let’s explore how you can enjoy fresh, homemade spinach pesto in every season! 🌿✨🍽️

Why Spinach Pesto is Perfect Year-Round

Spinach pesto is a favorite for many reasons, including its adaptability and nutritional benefits. Unlike basil, spinach is widely available year-round, making it a reliable choice for this classic green sauce.

Nutritional Highlights

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that brings a host of benefits to your diet, such as:

• Vitamins A, C, and K: Essential for healthy bones, skin, and immunity.
• Iron: Supports energy production and prevents fatigue.
• Antioxidants: Help combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

Learn more about how spinach can elevate your meals in this spinach pesto recipe.

Making Spinach Pesto Anytime

Spinach pesto is easy to make with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Here’s how:

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach.
2. Combine spinach, garlic, nuts, cheese, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
3. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely combined.
4. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth.
5. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to your taste.

For an innovative way to use spinach pesto, try this spinach pesto tart recipe.

Ingredient Substitutes and Seasonal Adjustments

Fresh Spinach Alternatives

If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use:

• Frozen Spinach: Thaw and drain thoroughly before use.
• Kale: Adds a robust and earthy flavor.
• Arugula: Offers a peppery kick to your pesto.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasonal Ingredients

You can also experiment with seasonal nuts like almonds in the fall or citrus zest in the winter to enhance the flavor profile of your pesto.

Storing Spinach Pesto for Year-Round Use

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness, flavor, and vibrant green color of spinach pesto. By following these simple steps for refrigeration and freezing, you can enjoy this versatile sauce anytime you want, even months after preparation.

Refrigeration Tips for Short-Term Use

If you plan to use your spinach pesto within a week, refrigeration is the best option. Here’s how to store it effectively:

1. Choose the Right Container
   • Use an airtight container to minimize exposure to air, which can cause the pesto to oxidize and lose its bright color.
   • Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best for preserving freshness.
2. Add a Layer of Olive Oil
   • Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the pesto. This creates a barrier against air and prevents browning.
   • Alternatively, you can press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto before sealing the lid.
3. Check for Freshness
   • Store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
   • Use the pesto within 7–10 days to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture.

By following these steps, your pesto will stay fresh and ready for use in dishes like spinach pesto tart or pasta.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you’ve made a large batch or want to keep pesto for future use, freezing is an excellent option. Frozen pesto retains its flavor and nutrients for up to three months when stored correctly.

How to Freeze Spinach Pesto

1. Portion into Ice Cube Trays
   • Divide the pesto into individual portions using an ice cube tray. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need for a specific dish.
   • Each cube typically equals about 2 tablespoons, making it easy to measure.
2. Transfer to Freezer Bags
   • Once the pesto cubes are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
   • Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
3. Ensure Proper Sealing
   • Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag to prevent freezer burn, which can impact the taste and texture.

Thawing and Using Frozen Pesto

When it’s time to use your frozen pesto, thawing is simple:

• Overnight in the Fridge: Place the required number of cubes in a small container and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Direct Addition: For hot dishes like soups or pasta, add the frozen cubes directly to the dish. The heat will melt the pesto, infusing the dish with its fresh flavor.

Additional Tips for Freezing Spinach Pesto

• Leave Out Cheese: If you’re planning to freeze the pesto, consider leaving out the Parmesan cheese and adding it after thawing. This prevents any changes in texture or flavor during freezing.
• Small Batch Freezing: Divide your pesto into smaller batches if you plan to use it for different purposes, such as a pasta sauce or sandwich spread.
• Silicone Trays: Use silicone ice cube trays for easy removal of frozen pesto cubes.

Homemade Spinach Pesto Recipe & Creative Uses

Fresh Spinach Pesto Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine spinach, garlic, and pine nuts (or walnuts). Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, then blend again.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Creative Uses for Spinach Pesto

Spinach pesto is incredibly versatile and can elevate many recipes:

Simple Everyday Uses

• Toss with spaghetti or penne for a quick, flavorful dinner.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a gourmet touch.
• Mix into soups for a burst of flavor.

Seasonal Recipes

• Winter: Stir into baked casseroles or use as a topping for roasted vegetables.
• Summer: Add to pasta salads or drizzle over grilled seafood.

For more ideas, check out this guide to butternut squash lasagna, which pairs wonderfully with spinach pesto.

Homemade Spinach Pesto Recipe & Creative Uses

Fresh Spinach Pesto Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine spinach, garlic, and nuts. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, then blend again.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Creative Uses for Spinach Pesto

Spinach pesto is incredibly versatile and can elevate many recipes:

Simple Everyday Uses

• Toss with pasta (spaghetti, penne, or ravioli) for a quick, flavorful dinner.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a gourmet touch.
• Mix into soups for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Use as a pizza base instead of tomato sauce for a unique twist.
• Drizzle over roasted vegetables for added depth.

Seasonal Recipes

• Winter: Stir into baked casseroles, blend into mashed potatoes, or use as a topping for roasted root vegetables.
• Summer: Add to pasta salads, mix into cold grain bowls, or drizzle over grilled seafood and chicken.

For more ideas, check out this guide to butternut squash lasagna, which pairs wonderfully with spinach pesto.

FAQs About Spinach Pesto

Can spinach pesto be frozen?

Yes! Freezing pesto in small portions, like in an ice cube tray, allows you to enjoy it year-round without waste. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy storage. Simply thaw a cube when needed.

How do you keep pesto from turning brown?

Pesto can oxidize and lose its vibrant green color when exposed to air. To prevent this:

• Add a thin layer of olive oil on top before storing.
• Use an airtight container to minimize air exposure.
• Store in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for the freshest taste.

What are the best substitutes for spinach in pesto?

If you want to experiment with different greens, try:

• Kale – Adds a slightly earthy, hearty flavor.
• Arugula – Brings a peppery kick.
• Parsley – Lighter and fresher, great for a milder taste.
• Basil-spinach mix – A combination of classic basil and spinach for a more traditional pesto taste.

Spinach pesto is more than just a sauce—it’s a kitchen staple that brings freshness, nutrition, and bold flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re using fresh spinach in the summer, seasonal greens like kale in the fall, or frozen spinach during the winter months, this pesto can be made and enjoyed year-round. Its adaptability makes it an essential condiment that enhances everything from pasta and sandwiches to grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

One of the greatest benefits of spinach pesto is its ease of preparation and storage. By using proper freezing techniques, you can preserve its vibrant flavor for months, ensuring you always have a quick and delicious option on hand. Simply freeze pesto in small portions using an ice cube tray, and you’ll have perfectly portioned pesto ready to enhance any meal at a moment’s notice.

Beyond storage, spinach pesto is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that encourages creativity in the kitchen. It serves as a delicious pasta sauce, a spread for sandwiches and wraps, a dip for veggies, or even a base for marinades. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize it to your tastes and dietary needs.

So why not start experimenting with spinach pesto today? Whether you’re keeping it classic or putting your own spin on it, this sauce is sure to become a go-to favorite. And for a unique and mouthwatering way to enjoy it, don’t forget to try this Spinach Pesto Tart for a delicious twist! 🌿✨🍽️