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Dandelion Pesto

Dandelion Pesto

The ultimate green sauce you never knew you needed! Dandelion Pesto combines the bold, slightly bitter flavors of fresh dandelion greens with creamy cheese and nutty pine nuts. Perfect for pastas, sandwiches, or as a dip, this quick and easy recipe will elevate your dishes to gourmet levels. Try it tonight and impress your family and friends!
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces ounces Dandelion leaves washed and cleaned
  • 1 cup cup Olive oil
  • 4 cloves cloves Garlic peeled
  • 6 tablespoons tablespoons Pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons Sea salt
  • 2 1/2 ounces ounces Parmesan or Romano cheese grated

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Grater
  • Blender
  • Peeler
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Start by placing about one-third of the dandelion greens in a food processor or blender. Pour in the olive oil and blend for about a minute. Make sure to scrape down the sides to ensure everything gets blended evenly. The goal is to get a smooth consistency right from the beginning.
  2. Next, add the remaining dandelion greens in two separate batches. This helps to maintain a creamy texture and ensures that all the greens get finely chopped up. Blend until you achieve a smooth mixture, watching for any chunks of greens that might need to be processed further.
  3. Now it’s time to incorporate the flavor! Add in the garlic cloves, pine nuts, sea salt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend this mixture until everything is well combined and the texture is creamy. You may need to stop the processor occasionally to scrape the sides and make sure everything is evenly mixed.
  4. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you feel it needs more salt, add a pinch at a time and blend again. This step is crucial because it allows you to personalize the flavor to your liking.
  5. If the pesto turns out too thick for your preference, don’t hesitate to thin it out! You can add more olive oil or a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency. Blend again until smooth.
  6. Once your Dandelion Pesto is ready, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and flavorful for days to come. You can refrigerate it for up to four days or freeze it if you want to save some for later.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep Dandelion Pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It may darken slightly, which is normal. To prevent this, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top.
  • Freezing: You can freeze Dandelion Pesto for up to two months. Consider using ice cube trays to portion it out for easy use later.
  • Serving suggestion: Pair your pesto with whole wheat pasta, chicken, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
  • Mixing in: Try swirling it in soups or salads for a burst of flavor and added nutrition.
  • Creative toppings: Use Dandelion Pesto as a topping for pizza or crostini for a gourmet touch.