Broccoli Pesto

This Broccoli Pesto is a quick, nutritious, and delicious twist on traditional pesto. It’s packed with fresh flavor, made with simple ingredients, and comes together in minutes. Whether you're tossing it with pasta, spreading it on pizza, or using it as a dip or sandwich spread, this versatile sauce is a tasty way to sneak in some extra greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in minutes – just blend and serve

• Nutrient-packed – full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

• Versatile – works as a sauce, spread, or dip

• Budget-friendly – simple pantry and fridge ingredients

• Kid-friendly – a sneaky and tasty way to serve broccoli

• Customizable – add nuts, garlic, or lemon to make it your own

• Great for meal prep – stores well in the fridge or freezer

• Low-carb and gluten-free – naturally fits many diets

• Perfect for weeknights – toss with pasta or spread on pizza for a fast dinner

• Vegetarian – and can be made vegan with a dairy-free cheese alternative

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup cooked broccoli*

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped basil

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

*To cook broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add chopped broccoli and boil for about 3 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and cool before using.

Directions

1. Cook the Broccoli

If you haven’t already, cook the broccoli in boiling water for about 3 minutes until tender. Drain and let it cool slightly.

2. Blend

Add the cooked broccoli, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, sea salt, and olive oil to a food processor or blender.

3. Process

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Scrape down the sides as needed. Adjust salt or oil for desired consistency.

Servings and Timing

Yield: About 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes (for broccoli)
Total Time: 8 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts – like walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts for richness

• Include garlic – one small clove adds bold flavor

• Use other cheeses – like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option

• Add lemon juice – for brightness and a hint of acidity

• Make it spicy – with a pinch of red pepper flakes

• Use kale or spinach – in place of or with broccoli

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Not necessary—just bring to room temperature or stir into hot pasta or spread on warm pizza.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw and drain it well before blending. You may want to squeeze out excess moisture for best texture.

Can I make this pesto vegan?

Absolutely. Use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes. A high-powered blender works well, though you may need to stop and scrape the sides more frequently.

Is this pesto good cold?

Yes. It’s delicious both warm and cold, depending on how you serve it (pasta, pizza, dip, etc.).

What pasta works best with broccoli pesto?

Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well to catch the pesto, but it’s also great with spaghetti or linguine.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales easily. Just be sure your blender or processor can handle the volume.

How can I thin the pesto?

Add a bit more olive oil or a splash of pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.

Will my kids like this?

Most likely! It has a mild, cheesy flavor that’s easy to love—even for picky eaters.

Can I use this as pizza sauce?

Definitely. Spread it on your dough as a flavorful base in place of tomato sauce.

How do I stop it from turning brown?

Adding a small splash of lemon juice helps preserve the green color if storing.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Pesto is a flavorful, healthy, and easy sauce that you’ll want to put on everything—from pasta to pizza, sandwiches, and more. It’s the perfect solution for using up leftover broccoli or adding an extra serving of veggies to your meal. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, it’s a new go-to in any kitchen.