Simple Pesto with Green Peas (extra protein)

Easily add protein to vegetables, breakfast, pasta, or pizza with this simple pesto made with green peas, pistachios, parmesan and lime juice. It’s not a traditional pesto that is typically made with pine nuts, lemon, and basil. Instead, it’s proof that you can still create a delicious dip, sauce or garnish that is nutritious without compromising on taste.

Healthy ingredients in green pea pesto

Green peas | Are a source of plant-based protein, are high in fibre, potassium and magnesium for heart health

Pea shoots | Are a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals, and are easier on digestion

Parmesan cheese | Low in lactose and high in protein and calcium

Unsalted pistachios | Are known to support heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure

Raw, unsalted sunflower seeds | Benefit skin health and immune system with vitamin E, and reduce “bad” cholesterol

Garlic | A protective antioxidant to support heart and immune system, and adds flavour

Lime | High in vitamin C and adds zest to this recipe

Olive oil | A healthy fat that gives this pesto a nice texture

Sea salt | Optional, but adds flavour. Omit if your nuts and seeds are salted

Ways to use pesto

This simple pesto adds extra protein, nutrients and tons of flavour to dishes like:

• Pizza: Use the pesto as a base in place of tomato sauce, or drop spoonfuls of it on top of the pizza after it comes out of the oven. Try it with my Portobello Pizza or Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
• Toast: Spread pesto on Sweet Potato Toast or add it to a savoury breakfast like this Mushroom and Mozza Melt
• Eggs: Garnish Sheetpan Eggs with pesto, scramble it right in for an omelette, or pair it with a Perfectly Poached Egg
• Pasta: Pesto makes a great protein-rich pasta sauce (20g) and tomato sauce alternative on pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles
• Where are you using this pesto? Tell me in the comments!

Pea Pesto Recipe