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A White Ceramic Bowl Filled with Vibrant Green Broccoli Peanut Pesto Sits on A Wooden Table

Broccoli Peanut Pesto

If you love pesto but want to switch things up with a fun, nutty twist, this Broccoli Peanut Pesto is about to become your new favorite sauce! It’s creamy, rich, packed with nutrients, and comes together in minutes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Course Sauce/Condiment
Cuisine Fusion, Italian-inspired
Servings 6
Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium pot (for blanching broccoli)
  • Strainer or slotted spoon
  • Bowl with ice water (for shocking broccoli)
  • Food processor or blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups broccoli florets (stems included!)
  • ½ cup roasted peanuts (unsalted is best)
  • 1 cup fresh basil (or swap for spinach if you prefer)
  • 2 cloves garlic (for that signature pesto kick)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon (adds brightness)
  • ¼ - ½ cup olive oil (start with ¼ cup and add more as needed)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions
 

  • Blanch the Broccoli
    Blanching helps maintain the bright green color and softens the broccoli for blending.
    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
    Add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it turns bright green.
    Immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking.
    A Person Holding a White Bowl Filled with Freshly Blanched Broccoli Florets
  • Blend Everything Together
    In a food processor or blender, combine broccoli, peanuts, basil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
    Pulse a few times to break everything down.
  • Add Olive Oil
    With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in ¼ cup olive oil.
    Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
    If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.
    A Person Pouring Olive Oil Into a Running Blender Through the Lid Opening
  • Taste and Adjust
    Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning.
    Add more lemon juice for brightness, salt for depth, or red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
    A White Bowl of Spaghetti Topped with Broccoli Peanut Pesto on A Kitchen Counter

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • No food processor? Use a mortar and pestle for a more rustic texture.
  • Make it vegan by swapping Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
  • Want it creamier? Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk.
  • For a smoky twist, try using smoked peanuts instead of regular ones.
Keyword Broccoli, Healthy Sauce, Nutty Flavor, Peanuts, Pesto, Vegan Option