Parsley Pesto

Parsley pesto is a versatile, vibrant sauce that brings a burst of fresh summer flavors to any dish. Made with a combination of fresh herbs, garlic and Parmesan cheese, this pesto is perfect for pasta, sandwiches or as a dip. It’s simple to make and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up a bunch of summer herbs or leftover parsley.

Ingredients for Parsley Pesto

• Fresh basil or cilantro: Basil provides a sweet and slightly peppery flavor, while cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note. Choose based on your preference, or even substitute with spinach for a milder taste.
• Fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and fresh green color to the pesto. Use flat-leaf parsley for a more robust flavor, or curly parsley for a milder taste.
• Garlic: Garlic imparts a pungent, savory depth to the pesto. For a milder taste, use roasted garlic.
• Olive oil: Olive oil creates a smooth, cohesive sauce and adds a rich, fruity flavor.  
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that adds to the overall taste of the pesto. Pecorino Romano works as well, for a sharper taste.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients 

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

In a food processor, combine the basil or cilantro, fresh parsley and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

Step 2: Add the olive oil 

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the sauce is smooth and well-blended. If the sauce is too thick, drizzle in more olive oil to reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate the cheese and salt 

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and salt to the food processor. Pulse a few more times until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the pesto reaches your desired consistency.

Editor’s Tip: For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil. For a chunkier texture, pulse less.

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Parsley Pesto Variations

• Make it creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to add a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Citrus twist: Add in some lemon zest and fresh juice for a bright, citrusy note that will complement the rest of the ingredients.
• Herb blend: Mix in other fresh herbs like mint, tarragon or dill to create a unique and aromatic pesto.

How to Store Parsley Pesto

To store parsley pesto, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.

Can you freeze parsley pesto? 

Yes, you can freeze parsley pesto. Portion the pesto into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then store the cubes in a resealable freezer bag. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need.

How long does parsley pesto last? 

Refrigerated basil and parsley pesto lasts up to a week in an airtight container. Frozen pesto can be stored for up to three months.

Can you make parsley pesto ahead of time? 

Yes, you can make this parsley pesto recipe ahead of time. Prepare the pesto and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.

Parsley Pesto Tips

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

How do you make pesto not bitter? 

To avoid bitterness in your pesto, increase the amount of Parmesan cheese, lemon juice or salt. Avoid overprocessing the ingredients, as this can sometimes cause bitterness.

What else can I do with lots of parsley? 

Use an abundance of parsley to make parsley-based dishes like tabbouleh or chimichurri. You can also freeze fresh parsley for later use by chopping it and placing it in ice cube trays with a bit of water or olive oil.

How do you reheat parsley pesto? 

To warm up parsley pesto, thaw it in the refrigerator if frozen, then gently warm it in a pan with a splash of good olive oil over low heat. Avoid overheating to maintain its fresh flavor.

What to serve with parsley pesto? 

Parsley pesto pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches or use it as a pizza topping. It’s also great as a dip for veggies or a flavorful addition to chicken dishes.