Time to step away from traditional!

There is nothing more delightful than all the fresh greens and herbs growing in abundance in the early summer. The trick is trying to figure out what to do with all that abundance! One solution…pesto! The great thing about pesto is that it is so versatile! Use it on pasta, roast with your veggies, add to potato salad, use as a veggie dip, pizza sauce, wrap or sandwich spread or portion it into the freezer and enjoy the taste of fresh summer herb pesto all year long! I put the pesto into ice cube trays to freeze and then transfer into an airtight container and then I can use them when I wish. Pesto is a great way to use a combination of fresh herbs from your garden, from your CSA or collected from your farmer’s market. Full of green anti-oxidant goodness, healthy olive oil and brain strengthening walnuts, you can count on this pesto to give your body a boost of nutrition! Not too mention it is vegan and dairy free!

• Gluten free
• Dairy free
• Refined sugar free
• Nut free (optional)
• Vegan/vegetarian
• Mediterranean diet friendly
• Cleanse program friendly

ingredients:

• 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
• zest of 1 medium lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, about what you will get from your already zested lemon
• 1/2 cup walnuts, alternatively you could use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
• 1 1/2 cup green onion tops, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4  cup olive oil

Directions:

• Place garlic, lemon zest and juice in a high speed blender and pulse to break up garlic.
• Add walnuts (or sunflower/pumpkin seeds) and pulse to break up.
• Add all remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more olive oil if too thick.

Serve as a dip, on pasta, as a spread or toss with veggies to roast.

Portion into freezer for future use if desired.

Want more delicious dips?

Try this Garlic Scape Pesto

Chick-chee Hummus, Roasted Garlic and Chilli Hummus and Lemony Beetroot Hummus are great go-tos on the blog!

Or give this Cultured Cashew Spread a try for a delicious probiotic rich vegan spread that is better than cream cheese!

Would you like to add more whole foods into your diet? a health and Wellness Coach can support you on turning intentions into action. Contact me to find out if Coaching is for you!