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Home Meal Type Condiments
5
/5
15 minutes minutes

Mint and Pistachio Pesto

Gluten Free Gluten Free Vegetarian Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard31 Comments
Posted: 3/16/20 Updated: 12/8/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Mint and pistachio pesto is so good that you'll never want traditional basil pesto again. Give this recipe a try - it takes less than 10 minutes!

Traditional basil pesto is great and all, but sometimes it's fun to get creative. Sometimes I add non-traditional ingredients to my pesto like kale or broccoli...and sometimes I like changing up the herbs and nuts, like in this mint and pistachio pesto!

mint and pistachio pesto in canning jar with spoon

There’s something extra special about this pistachio pesto.

You can find dozens of recipes online for pistachio pesto and for mint pesto, but this recipe combines both unique flavors into a deliciously creamy sauce. The richness of the pistachios is perfectly balanced with the freshness of the mint. You’ll want to use this pesto on everything!

Why you’ll ♡ mint and pistachio pesto:

  • quick- it’s ready in 10 minutes
  • storage- it keeps well in the fridge or freezer
  • something different- it’s a unique and delicious alternative to traditional pesto

Recipe video

This is a super easy recipe to prepare, but it always helps to have a visual on how to make it. Watch the video below to see how I prepped this pesto recipe!  You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

ingredients to make mint and pistachio pesto

Let’s talk ingredients!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this pesto recipe:

  • pistachios - You’ll want them shelled and preferably salted. If you use unsalted, you’ll need to add extra salt to make up for it.
  • Parmesan cheese - Get a fresh block and shred it yourself. The texture and flavor is so much better than pre-shredded
  • fresh herbs - Mint and parsley are replacing the traditional basil for a fresh twist
  • lemon juice - Adds brightness and acidity to the flavors
  • garlic - Make sure to use fresh, whole cloves
  • olive oil - This helps get everything nice and creamy. You may need to drizzle in a little more at the end to get the right consistency.

making pesto in bowl of food processor

The method

This is a simple dump + blend recipe, but you will need a food processor. Unlike traditional pesto, which uses pine nuts, this pistachio mint pesto needs a longer processing time to break down the pistachios. I recommend processing for 3-5 minutes, scraping the sides of the food processor down occasionally.

Variations

This pesto is supremely flexible! Here are some swap ideas:

  • mint- swap for basil, cilantro, or your favorite herb
  • pistachios- swap for pine nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds or pepitas
  • dairy-free- try swapping the parmesan for nutritional yeast. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste.

How to serve

Just like traditional pesto, pistachio pesto can be used up in many different recipes. Here are some of our faves:

  • on meatloaf- this might sound unusual but this pesto goes really well on Moroccan meatloaf cups
  • on a sandwich- swap out mayo or other condiments for pesto. It would be great on these Healthy Chicken Quesadillas as well!
  • as a salad dressing- use it on pasta salad (I bet it would work well on this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad) or on quinoa salad (like this Charred Corn Salad)
  • on pizza– slather it on your pizza base in place of tomato sauce!
  • on salmon– smear it over your salmon after cooking. See my fail proof method for How to Cook Salmon here!

Storage

Pesto works really well for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Store in an air tight container (mason jars work well) in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

If freezing in a jar, leave ¼ of the jar empty and the lid ajar until fully frozen.

spoonful of creamy green sauce made from pistachios

More easy sauces

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Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

A mason jar filled with pistachio mint pesto with a spoon in it

Pistachio Mint Pesto

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
Print Rate
A delicious variation of pesto made with pistachios and fresh mint. Perfect on pasta or meatloaf!
12

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pistachios shelled *see note
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh mint lightly packed
  • 1 cup fresh parsley lightly packed
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
  • Blend until smooth. This will take 3-4 minutes of blending and scraping sides of food processor with a spatula.

Storage

  • Pesto keeps for 1 week in a sealed container in the fridge.
  • Pesto can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips:

I used salted pistachios. If you have unsalted pistachios, you may need to add ¼-½ teaspoon of salt.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.25cup, Calories: 176kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 235mg, Potassium: 167mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 688IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 126mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Annie Holmes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Julie says

    Posted on 7/28/16 at Posted on 7/28/16

    We have a runaway mint monster in our garden, so I came across this recipe looking for ways to use it. It is DELICIOUS! It’s for eating straight out of the food processor with a spoon, right? ; )

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/2/16 at Posted on 8/2/16

      I have a mint monster too! I'm so glad you liked the pesto, Julie! I definitely did some 'straight from the food processor' snacking too 🙂

      Reply
  2. Debbie says

    Posted on 6/8/16 at Posted on 6/8/16

    Just tried this and it's amazing. I like it better than regular pesto. Wow. Will be making it again and fun to use the loads of mint in my garden.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 6/8/16 at Posted on 6/8/16

      Wow, thank-you so much for the huge compliment, Debbie! I'm so glad you like it 🙂

      Reply
  3. Therese B says

    Posted on 5/11/16 at Posted on 5/11/16

    What have you found to be the best crackers, pita chips, etc. to eat with this?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 5/12/16 at Posted on 5/12/16

      Hi Therese! I haven't eaten it on any chips or crackers, but I am a fan of wheat thins and Stacy's pita chips!

      Reply
  4. Denise says

    Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

    Thanks so much, Jessica! Hope you like it 🙂

    Reply
  5. Danielle + Rooting The Sun says

    Posted on 9/17/15 at Posted on 9/17/15

    Hi Denise! This pesto stopped me dead in my tracks - it's totally inspired and delicious looking. The combination of pistachio and mint just sings to me. I really love dinner time too, food is such a communal element. ♥

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      Thank-you so much, Danielle! I am appreciating family dinner 'communal' time so much these days.

      Reply
  6. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says

    Posted on 9/16/15 at Posted on 9/16/15

    Wow, this pesto sounds amazing! I have always wanted to try making pesto, but have never got around to it. SOON!!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      You should totally try making your own pesto, Cathleen! It's so easy and so much better than store-bought 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    Posted on 9/16/15 at Posted on 9/16/15

    Haha I miss being able to eat in front of the TV some days 😉 But yes, family dinner time is definitely more exciting and fun! This pistachio mint pesto sounds incredible! I love the gorgeous green!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      OK I will admit some nights I just want to zone out in front of the TV. Ha ha! Thanks, Kelly!

      Reply
  8. kushi says

    Posted on 9/16/15 at Posted on 9/16/15

    Oh my! Its so flavorful and delicious. Love the color.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      Thanks so much, Kushi!

      Reply
  9. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    Posted on 9/16/15 at Posted on 9/16/15

    Pistachio and mint really does sound like the pesto combo to beat 'em all! I could totally see myself slathering this green glory on anything and ALL the things! 😉

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      Yup...it went on the meatloaves and the potatoes and the veggies and the spoons straight into our mouths. Ha ha! Thanks, Sarah!

      Reply
  10. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    Posted on 9/16/15 at Posted on 9/16/15

    This pistachio mint pesto looks so delicious. And I so love that vibrant green color.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      Thanks so much, Anu!

      Reply
  11. Raymund says

    Posted on 9/16/15 at Posted on 9/16/15

    This is perfect with some freshly cooked pasta, Yum!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      Oh did you try it? Thanks, Raymund!

      Reply
  12. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    Posted on 9/15/15 at Posted on 9/15/15

    haha, I miss those days of eating with a toddler or baby!! and yes, when shelling pistachios, "one for the pesto, one for my mouth” . . haha, love that!! and I think Diamond sells shelled pistachios now. . but then I guess that wouldn't be fun at all huh? 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      Toddlers are so much work, but at least he can feed himself (sort of...he certainly makes it a challenge). I need to find some pre-shelled pistachios! Thanks, Alice!

      Reply
  13. Gayle@Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    Posted on 9/15/15 at Posted on 9/15/15

    My husband and I eat dinner in front of the TV a lot too...we need to break that habit but it's just hard not to! And this pesto, wow! Just the title intrigued me. Love the pistachios in here!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      We did it for years and probably would still be doing it if we didn't have to deal with highchairs and food on the floor 😉 Thanks, Gayle!

      Reply
  14. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

    Posted on 9/15/15 at Posted on 9/15/15

    I'm a big pesto fan and always looking for new combinations - definitely going to try this one, Denise. Looks awesome - and I have some mint to use up too!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/18/15 at Posted on 9/18/15

      Thanks, Geraldine! I'm such a pesto addict, which is funny because I thought it looked so unappetizing when I was a kid and wouldn't even try it 😉 Hope you like it!

      Reply
  15. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    Posted on 9/15/15 at Posted on 9/15/15

    This pesto sounds delicious- pesto is my favorite condiment for sure, and I love pistachios. Pinning 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/15/15 at Posted on 9/15/15

      Thanks, Medha! I love anything that involves pistachios 😀

      Reply
  16. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    Posted on 9/15/15 at Posted on 9/15/15

    Shawn and I still eat dinner in front of the TV. I know! Such a bad habit! I really need to sit us down in front of the table, tv OFF! This pesto sounds delicious. Never met a pesto I didn't like : )

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/15/15 at Posted on 9/15/15

      We used to always eat dinner in front of the TV...we even kept doing it after Kai was born (I somehow mastered eating dinner while nursing). But as soon as he started on solids we pretty much had to eat in the dining room. At first I missed the TV but now not at all, we have a way more entertaining show happening right in front of us 😉 Thanks Natalie!!

      Reply

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