By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 2, 2026

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Pea Pesto

Serves 8

151 cal · 10 min

Pea Pesto

Recipe GLPR86f5c9470651c1

4.0(1)
Sauce & Condiment
10 min
151 cal
Servings: 8
No-Cook
SNAP eligible

A vibrant, herbaceous sauce made from frozen peas, fresh basil, and spinach blended with toasted walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This creamy pesto works wonderfully as a pasta topping, sandwich spread, or dip for vegetables and bread.

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Ingredients

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before beginning preparation.

  2. Add the frozen peas, fresh basil leaves, spinach, walnuts, and garlic cloves to a food processor or blender.

  3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, water, salt, and black pepper to the processor.

  4. Blend all ingredients together on medium-high speed, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the mixture reaches a thick, sauce-like consistency with small, well-incorporated pieces. Do not over-blend; the pesto should have some slight texture rather than be completely smooth.

  5. Transfer the pesto to a clean, airtight container.

  6. Seal the container and refrigerate until ready to use. The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

Pea pesto hits the sweet spot for a Charlotte weeknight: frozen peas and spinach are stocked everywhere, walnuts and parmesan are standard at any major grocer, and the ten-minute claim is honest for a food processor job. Cost per serving runs under $1 with the margin entirely driven by whether you buy bulk walnuts or small jars, and all ingredients work with ALDI or Walmart prices. The only real friction is fresh basil, which Food Lion and Harris Teeter carry year-round but at premium cost in winter—substitute dried basil and save a dollar without sacrificing much. It's a pure condiment, not a meal on its own, so you're serving it over pasta or spreading on bread, making it restless for family dinner unless you plan that component ahead.

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