Name: Spinach Walnut Pesto
Ingredients: 1/2 cup basil; 1/2 cup spinach leaves; 1 small garlic clove; A few walnuts; Small squirt of lemon; 1/4 cup olive oil; Pinch of Salt (OMIT for younger babies)

Spinach walnut pesto is a tasty twist on the classic pesto, offering a healthy and flavorful sauce that comes out beautiful, vibrant and delicious! We picked this fresh basil from a garden the other day and I kept thinking how I can use it up, and it ended coming out better than expected. I’m always trying to introduce new flavors to Zion, trying to expand his palette, but it doesn’t always go as planned. I made a yummy caprese sandwich on soft whole wheat toast, so it’s easier for him to chew and he only ended up taking 3 bites, I of course gobbled everything up, it was so good! I’m not going to get discouraged though, I will try and introduce it again in the near future and I understand not everything will be liked.

If you are looking for ways to expand baby’s palette and introduce them to new flavors, you should give it a try! This spinach walnut pesto is made with spinach, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, packed with nutrients, healthy fats and protein. Basil contains Vitamin C & Folate, which is great for immunity, Vitamin K, which helps strengthen bones and can help reduce inflammation in the body, as well as fight off viral infections, bacteria and mold. The spinach is packed with antioxidants, iron, vitamins A, C,K & more, and the walnuts, which are my favorite, are high in fiber, omega-3, DHA, promoting brain health. It has a creamy texture and a vibrant, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies. The best part? It’s super easy to make and a great way to sneak some greens into your meals.

Substitutions:

You can substitute walnuts with pine nuts if preferred

Suggestion:

For pasta sauce make sure to blend pesto with some pasta water and season to your liking

To Make:

You will need a small blender or food processor