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Fresh Parsley Pesto Dip - Bright, Herbaceous, and Ready in Minutes

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley (2 packed cups, leaves and tender stems)
  • Garlic (1–2 cloves, depending on taste)
  • Lemon (1, for zest and juice)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (about 1/3–1/2 cup)
  • Grated Parmesan (1/3 cup)
  • Nuts (1/4 cup; walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or ricotta (1/2 cup for creaminess)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Method
 

  1. Prep the parsley. Rinse thoroughly, then dry well. Remove any thick stems, but keep tender stems for extra flavor and body.
  2. Toast the nuts (optional but worth it). In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast nuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  3. Start the base. In a food processor, add parsley, garlic, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, toasted nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped.
  4. Stream in olive oil. With the motor running, slowly add 1/3 cup olive oil until the mixture turns into a loose paste. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  5. Add the creaminess. Spoon in the Greek yogurt (or ricotta) and pulse to combine. If the dip is too thick, add a splash more olive oil or a teaspoon of water.
  6. Season and balance. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice for brightness, or more Parmesan for savoriness.
  7. Chill briefly. Transfer to a bowl and chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Swirl a little olive oil on top before serving.