Name: Spinach Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Prep time: 5 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds (shelled, roasted); 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional) (not AIP); 2 cloves garlic; 1 cup (2oz) packed fresh basil; 2 cups packed fresh spinach; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 tsp salt

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Looking for a way to pack in nutrients? This spinach basil pumpkin seed pesto is your answer! It’s so easy to make and freezes really well. My son licked off the spoon and was asking for more.

Pumpkin seeds are a great substitute to pine nuts if you’re looking for a nut-free pesto. They’re also way cheaper! I love to make this for my son’s lunch to take to camp or school which are both nut-free. I’m happy to know he’s getting his veggies in!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium and many other nutrients.
The antioxidants in pumpkin seeds may help protect against disease and reduce inflammation.
They are very high in magnesium which is important to help maintain blood sugar levels, blood pressure as well as bone and heart health.
Pumpkin seeds can help reduce blood pressure and increase good cholesterol.
May help people with type 2 diabetes since they help reduce blood sugar levels.
They are high in zinc which can help fertility in men.
They promote good sleep thanks to tryptophan, zing, and magnesium.

HOW TO FREEZE

This pesto is great to have on hand and freezes easily. You can use any typical ice cube tray but I particularly like this silicone one with a lid. It makes it extra easy to pop out the frozen pesto cubes. The lid helps protect the pesto from freezer burns.

PARENT HACK

This pesto is such an awesome way to get spinach into your diet. I like to pack in as much as possible so feel free to add more. You can also try subbing half with kale. The taste will be a bit more bitter so make sure to taste test as you go along.

If you’re not following a nut-free diet you can replace the pumpkin seeds with whichever nut you have on hand. Pine nuts work great of course but you can just as well use almonds or walnuts.

OTHER WAYS TO USE PESTO

Try it out on fish or steak for an easy weeknight dinner!⁠
Top it on a gluten-free pizza crust instead of tomato sauce.
Use as a sandwich spread.
Mix with dairy-free cream cheese and turn it into a dip for veggies or crackers.
Make a slit in chicken breasts and stuff with pesto.
Top it on your favorite eggs.
Mix it with olive oil and turn it into salad dressing.