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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Sweet Mint Pesto

    LAST UPDATED: July 9, 2018 • FIRST PUBLISHED: August 6, 2014 By Toni Dash 2 Comments

    Sweet Mint Pesto

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    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Homemade Sweet Mint Pesto

    When I first started my devoted locavore quest I learned making pesto is one of the easiest (and more flavorful) ways to preserve fresh basil. Normally pesto is made with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese. Whipped up in a food processor or strong blender and it becomes a delicious sauce for meat or pasta  in minutes. Pesto freezes very well, and when planning for freezing the Parmesan cheese should be excluded from the recipe which in my experience does not make a large difference. If desired the pesto could be blended again with some Parmesan cheese once thawed before serving.

    The great thing about pesto is that it can be made with any greens. I’ve enjoyed the results of kitchen experiments with Kale Walnut Meyer Lemon Pesto, Toasted Pistachio Arugula Pesto, and even Tarragon Pesto finding each combination slightly different and equally delicious to the traditional basil recipe. I am not by nature a repeater of much. I was never a girl who would break up and then date the same guy again. I rarely travel to the same places, feeling the world holds many more places for adventure than I’ll see in my lifetime. Same holds for recipes. If there is a way to tweak something or venture into new territory, I’m in.

    Mint bundle

    I’m not sure how making a sweet pesto came to mind, probably having never heard of one. The abundance of mint dominating my growing bed may have come into play a bit too! In any case I experimented with oils which would compliment a sweet direction for the pesto as well as nuts that would jump on board for the end result I was seeking. The end flavor reminded me of Greek flavor notes and I could totally imagine using it with savory, salty meats and cheeses. I loved a smear on fresh figs, honeydew melon slices, cherries and other seasonal fruits. The pesto is a rich, earthy green color but will oxidize turning the surface brownish-green. A quick stir will expose the gorgeous green again!

    Homemade Sweet Mint Pesto -with cherries and figs

    Homemade Sweet Mint Pesto

    Sweet Mint Pesto

    We all love savory pestos however this Sweet Mint Pesto mixes it up with the bright flavor of fresh mint and honey. Perfect on fruit or to compliment the salty flavor of cooked meet and cheeses.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 (total 1 cup)
    Calories: 195kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    • 5 packed cups fresh Mint Leaves
    • 1/4 cup Pecan Bits or Halves
    • Large pinch of Kosher Salt
    • 1/4 cup Almond Oil
    • 2 tablespoons Honey

    Instructions

    • Place the mint leaves, nuts and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Turn on and drizzle the almond oil through the top of the food processor to pulverize the mint and nuts. Stop to scrap the sides of the bowl.
    • While the processor is running, drizzle the honey through the top and process until the pesto is fairly smooth. Remove and serve. Note: the pesto can 'oxidize' and turn brownish on the surface. A quick stir will expose the earthy green underneath!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    1. Mary says

      September 06, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      I’d never think of making pesto with mint!

      Reply
    2. Christine at Cook the Story says

      August 07, 2014 at 7:43 am

      This is beyond awesome!

      Reply

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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