Ricotta Pesto

This ricotta pesto recipe pairs perfectly with so many different things. Use it on sandwiches, pasta, or even with veggies!

Ricotta pesto is packed full of flavor and tastes just as good (if not better) than store bought pesto. Plus, you know what’s in it.

This homemade pesto recipe only uses 9 ingredients. What’s more, you can make this pesto in advance and use it on so many meals or snacks.

What is a pesto?

Pesto is a sauce which originated in Italy. Typically, pesto is made by crushing ingredients in a food processor or with a mortar and pestle.

There are many variations of pestos around the world, but the most basic pesto uses ingredients like basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts.

Pesto can be used for many different dishes such as pasta, salads, or sandwiches.

A Bit About Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is such a simple ingredient which can be paired with almost anything. But what exactly is it? Ricotta is a light, creamy, and slightly spongy cheese.

It’s made from milk, such as cow, sheep, or goat. Typically, the ricotta you buy from your local store is made from cow’s milk.

The word ricotta, means recooked. When cheese is made, the milk separates into two things: curds (the solids), and whey (the liquids). Ricotta cheese is made from the whey of milk, not the curd.

Ricotta cheese is naturally high in protein and low in fat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This recipe uses less than 10 ingredients.
• No fancy equipment required.
• Use this ricotta pesto on so many different things such as pasta or sandwiches.

Ingredients

Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

• Ricotta Cheese: I used homemade ricotta.
• Fresh Basil: I like to use sweet basil leaves.
• Minced Garlic
• Nuts or seeds of choice: Such as cashews, peanuts, pistachios, or pine nuts. If you use salted nuts, you may need to use less salt to season your pesto.
• Parmesan
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Alternatively, you could use a different light flavored oil such as vegetable oil.
• Lemon Juice: Optional
• Salt and Pepper

Instructions

This ricotta pesto makes about 1 cup (240 grams, 8.47 ounces) of pesto.

Step One: Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until well combined.

If you find your ingredients are coming up the sides of your food processor while blending, stop the machine and scrape down the sides using a spatula.

Step Two: Once blended, taste for salt and pepper. Season to your liking.

Also, if you want your pesto to be thinner in consistency, add a bit more extra virgin olive oil and mix through. Serve.

Cost To Make

Estimated cost = $5.95

Substitutions / Variations

You could add some leafy greens such as kale, or spinach in addition to the basil. If you do, you may need to adjust the quantities of other ingredients to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Some ways we love to use this ricotta pesto include on:

• On crackers as a dip – great for a cheese board or for parties
• Pasta
• Sandwiches
• Grilled meats such as fish or chicken
• Vegetables

Storage

Store this ricotta pesto in an air tight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.

FAQ

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