Basil isn’t always in season. Pine nuts can break the bank. But pesto? Pesto should be accessible, flexible, and delicious year-round—which is exactly what you get with Spinach and Sunflower Seed Pesto.
This variation uses fresh spinach for a mild, slightly sweet green base and toasted sunflower seeds for a nutty, buttery richness. It’s cost-effective, easy to find in any grocery store, and kid-friendly, with a subtle flavor that plays well in pasta, sandwiches, grain bowls, and more.
Spinach pesto may not be flashy, but it’s your everyday kitchen hero—quick, wholesome, and ready to save dinner with one scoop.
Why Spinach and Sunflower Seeds Work
1. Spinach – Mild, Nutrient-Dense, and Always Available
• Neutral taste that allows other ingredients to shine
• High in iron, vitamin A, and folate
• Available fresh or frozen year-round
2. Sunflower Seeds – Affordable and Rich
• Nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach
• Great alternative to expensive pine nuts
• Safe for nut-free households
Ingredients in Spinach and Sunflower Seed Pesto
This pesto is made with common, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Credits to Southern Living
1. Fresh Baby Spinach
• Use raw or lightly blanched for a smoother sauce
• Packs volume and nutrients
2. Toasted Sunflower Seeds
• Toast briefly in a dry pan to bring out their flavor
• Use unsalted, hulled seeds
3. Garlic
• Adds essential punch
• Roast for a gentler flavor or keep raw for intensity
4. Cheese
• Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano for savory richness
• Or omit for a dairy-free version
5. Olive Oil
• A medium to light extra virgin olive oil
• Brings everything together and softens spinach’s natural tannins
6. Lemon Juice
• Adds freshness and balance
• Prevents discoloration of greens
How to Make Spinach and Sunflower Seed Pesto – Step-by-Step
Ingredients:
• 2 packed cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)
• 1 small garlic clove
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Toast sunflower seeds in a skillet until golden and fragrant
2. Optional: blanch spinach for 10–15 seconds and squeeze dry
3. Add garlic and seeds to food processor; pulse until chopped
4. Add spinach, cheese, and lemon juice; pulse again
5. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until smooth
6. Season with salt and pepper, blend again
Flavor Profile – Mild, Creamy, and Adaptable
Spinach and sunflower seed pesto is:
• Light and nutty, not sharp
• Gentle on the palate—great for picky eaters
• Easy to pair with both bright and savory ingredients
• A perfect pesto “base” to build on
Best Ways to Use Spinach Pesto
Pasta Pairings:
• Toss with spaghetti, penne, or fusilli
• Add a spoonful of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamy pasta sauce
• Pair with zucchini noodles or whole grain pastas
Grain Bowls and Salads:
• Mix into quinoa, couscous, or farro
• Use as a dressing base with vinegar and extra olive oil
• Toss with roasted vegetables and chickpeas
Sandwiches & Toasts:
• Spread on grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches
• Use as a base for avocado toast
• Swirl into wraps with roasted veggies and hummus
Other Creative Uses:
• Stir into soups just before serving
• Drizzle over scrambled eggs or omelets
• Mix into baked potatoes or mashed cauliflower
Storage Tips
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Cover with a thin layer of oil to reduce oxidation
• Freeze in ice cube trays for easy single portions
• Revive with a splash of lemon or oil if thickened
Variations and Twists
Vegan Spinach Pesto:
• Omit cheese
• Add:
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp white miso paste for depth
Spicy Spinach Pesto:
• Add red chili flakes or a small roasted jalapeño
Herb Boosted:
• Mix in ½ cup parsley, basil, or cilantro for extra flavor
Nut Mix:
• Blend sunflower seeds with almonds or pumpkin seeds
The Weeknight Workhorse of Pesto
Spinach and Sunflower Seed Pesto is proof that pesto doesn’t need to be fancy to be delicious. It’s fast, fresh, and full of everyday ingredients, but it still delivers the flavor, texture, and versatility we love in any good pesto.
Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking on a budget, or just trying to clean out the fridge—this pesto has your back.
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