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Bold & Breezy Sicilian Pesto Swirl

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1½ cups 1x
  • Category: Sauce, Condiment
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian

Description

This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto is a vibrant twist on the classic, bursting with fresh basil, sweet cherry tomatoes, zesty mint, and creamy almonds. It’s a no-cook, flavor-packed sauce that whips up in minutes and brings bold Mediterranean sunshine to any dish—whether tossed with pasta, slathered on toast, or used as a dip. Trust me, this pesto’s going to become your new obsession. #FreshAndFast #SicilianFlavors #PestoPerfection


Ingredients

Scale

Sicilian Pesto

  • ½ cup blanched almonds (slivered or whole)
  • 1 garlic clove (use more if desired)
  • ⅔ cup Pecorino Romano and/or Parmigiano Reggiano (a 50/50 mix works well)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of chili flakes or small fresh chili (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, packed
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, packed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 3 cups)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, pulse the almonds and garlic until finely chopped.
  2. Add the cheese, basil, mint, and cherry tomatoes. Blend until roughly combined.
  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add chili flakes if using, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve immediately with pasta, spread on toasted bread, or as a flavorful dip.

Notes

  • For a thinner consistency, add a splash of pasta water when serving with noodles.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Substitute almonds with pistachios or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
  • Use a mix of basil and arugula for a peppery twist.
  • Great as a pizza base sauce or mixed into scrambled eggs!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg