Thursday, August 21, 2014

Zucchini "Pesto"









I found this recipe on Amy's New Kitchen. Picked up a few zucchini at the farm stand and after eating Carol's Cake Batter Zucchini Bread I needed to find something lower in calories to enjoy!

The pesto is in parenthesis because this recipe does not have the consistency of pesto. I followed the directions and used a box grater but feel the zucchini should of been finely chopped. I'll do that next time, it's a good recipe and a great way to use up zucchini.

My basil plant is doing great so just walked out on the deck and picked fresh basil. I'm not a fan of thyme so I didn't add it. I also didn't add the almonds.


Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini (or 1 gigantic homegrown one)
2 tsp sea salt ( used 1 teaspoon salt)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup basil, shredded
1/2 cup almonds, toasted and finely chopped ( didn't use)
1 Tbsp thyme leaves, chopped ( didn't use)
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese ( used parm from the green top container- I need to use it up and next time will use fresh which I know is SO much better)
Juice from one lemon
1/2 tsp fresh lemon zest
3-4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
freshly cracked black pepper ( didn't use)
extra sea salt if necessary ( didn't use)

Directions:

Using a box grater, coarsely grate the zucchini.  Place in a mesh strainer and sprinkle with the salt. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Remove excess moisture with clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. 


Put zucchini in a medium sized bowl.  Add the garlic, basil- which I added to the food processor to get 1/4 cup, almonds, thyme, parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest and 3 Tbsp olive oil.

 Stir until well combined.  Add more salt if needed and pepper to taste. Add the  olive oil, a little at a time, mixing well.  Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. 


Serve with  crackers.

68 comments:

  1. This sounds really good and something I'd enjoy. I've learned that even if I make something, Randall will taste it and most times, like it and won't even ask what's in it anymore. I think his Taste buds have finally grown up....... well, I would like to think so :) while I still make sweet stuff, I am eating healthier. I can take the other stuff to work and let them get the cavities!

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    1. Cyndy- I've been eating healthy lately and hope I can continue. I was telling Carol about this and I really like it. Has a nice taste and I'll make it again- hope you guys like it.

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  2. I am a very picky eater. I won't taste something tho it looks yummy. I know I am missing out on all kinds of great foods. My kids try everything, don't know where they came from.....my husband was a great one for eating everything also, so guess they got it from him. I am trying to watch my foods now. I found out my liver enzymes are up and I have
    a "fatty liver", which could be coming from my meds. After all the blood work comes back, I will see what is going on. Sooooo, I have started a new way of eating. Sweets are my downfall, but I will really try.

    Linda gonna pass this one on also,,,,you make everything look so tempting.

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    1. Myra - I know you don't like zucchini but maybe someone you know enjoys it and has tons of zucchini in their garden. One of those recipes that is perfect to use up the extra zucchini!

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  3. Wow-what an interesting use for zucchini! I never would have thought of using it in pesto---but why not? I'd give this a try-don't know about Bob. Hmmmmmmm-what could I tell him the zucchini is? He likes it cooked but not raw. Cyndy he hasn't reached the point Randall has.....close but not yet.

    I've found I'd rather have the savory over the sweet lately...........I had a bake-a-thon yesterday and once it's photographed, in the freezer it all goes..........

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    1. I still have my sweet tooth and I know it will be on high alert when the boys get back!

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  4. This sounds so good! I was looking for another pesto recipe to try!! When I try it, I will put it on my blog with a linkback.

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  5. This looks really yummy. I've always got left over zucchini so I'll try this one real soon. Thanks for sharing x

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    1. It was really good, it's a make again for sure!

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  6. I agree that "pesto" may not be the right description, Linda, but this shredded zucchini salad looks delicious to me, just the way you prepared it! I am allergic to almonds, so I would have left those out anyway! :) (When regular pesto recipes call for nut, I substitute sunflower seeds for crunch and nutty flavor.) I will definitely be trying this recipe with some zucchini from a friend's overabundant crop!

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  7. OMGOSH - I want to go to the store right now to get the ingredients for this. I would probably eat the entire recipe by myself.

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    1. I really liked it and hope you will also!

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  8. This looks delicious! I have 4 huge zucchini that I just picked from my garden and have been wondering what to make. I'll have to try this recipe. Thank you!

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  9. How different! I am about zucchinied out, so I have been looking for some new ways to fix it, this is perfect, thank you!
    Jenna

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    1. I'm always on the look out for new and different recipes. Hope you enjoy this!

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  10. This sounds really good. I have some zucchini that I need to find something to do with. Pinned!

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  11. thank you for sharing. Definitely will try this one

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  12. I will be trying this, always love try different pestos. Thank you for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest board.

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  13. I love cooking with zucchini! I've used it a lot 'as' noodles, but not with noodles. I'll be giving this a try while my husband is out of town (he doesn't always enjoy my zucchini cooking projects!).

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    1. Don't you love the "noodles"? How do you cook yours? I saute mine in a little olive oil with garlic- SO GOOD! My hubby won't touch it either, he has to have his potatoes and peas- that's it. So boring- LOL!

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  14. oh this sounds delish! I love the thought of using up some extra zucchini and enjoying it! Thanks for sharing with us!

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    1. I'll be back again to share another recipe- thanks for hosting!

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  15. Who knew that pesto could be this alluring? Gorgeous spin on a traditional spread and a brilliant way to incorporate summer's zucchini.

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    1. I was lucky to get a good picture. Thanks for stopping by.

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  16. This sounds like a great accompaniment to a green salad. We usually make bean salads to add.
    Thanks for sharing this weekend. Have a great day!!

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    1. It would be perfect in a salad. Hope you like it.

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  17. Stopping by from Pure Grace Farms to invite you to Foodie Fridays Link-up. I love this post and was hoping you would share it with us today where I am now co-hosting. Thanks and have a great weekend. Hope to see you there!
    Blessings, Shari
    http://puregracefarms.com/2014/08/foodie-fridays-link-up-party-10/

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    1. Thanks Shari for the invite- headed over to your site now

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  18. Saw this at the Krafty Inspiration Party! Looks great and I can't wait to try it!

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  19. Hello from Pintastic Party. I love zucchini and this pesto recipe looks delicious.

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  20. Someone just gave me zucchini from their garden and I had no idea what to do with it - thanks so much for this - I love pesto - so I'm sure I'll love this!
    Pinning now
    XOXO

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  21. This sounds wonderful and easy to make. Thanks for sharing.

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  22. Thanks Misty- see you tomorrow!

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  23. Great way to use up courgette, thanks for sharing. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!! Laura@Baking in Pyjamas

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    1. I visited the party! Thanks for hosting. See you next week.

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  24. I love zucchini and this sounds deliscious. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy

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  25. HI, i hope you saw your feature on my #theWeekendSocial Blog this week. I love this recipe for pesto, no food processor needed! :) Pinned. Hope to see you again Thursday 9:00 PM EST.

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    1. Just the good old box grater! Good thing I never toss anything out.

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  26. I love pesto, and this sounds delish. Thanks for sharing this with us at TYSH recipe link party. I hope we'll see you next week with another great dish to help us #stoptheyuck everywhere! HUGS

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  27. Linda this sounds great! I bet it would make an excellent stuffing or topping for chicken or fish. Thanks so much for sharing it!

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  28. What a fantastic idea! Not only is is flavourful but the zucchini makes your recipe even more wholesome. Thank you so much for sharing your Zucchini "Pesto" with the Hearth and Soul hop. Pinned and will tweet!

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  29. We will just love your Zucchini Pesto, it is awesome! Hope you have a great week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Your post has been pinned with the party!
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  30. Hey Kim- I was at the party. Thanks for hosting!

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  31. This looks delicious. I've been meaning to make zucchini pasta for weeks.

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  32. This looks delicious! Such a nice twist on zucchini which is one of our favorite vegetables to cook with! Stopping by from the Diary of a Real Housewife Link up. Have a great weekend :)

    ~Sierra & Faith
    @WinksandEyerolls

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    1. Can you tell it's my favorite also! Thanks for stopping by.

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  33. Great recipe and such healthy ingredients. This sounds like it would be great for a snack if you have a few friends or family over for visit. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays.

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  34. Hi Linda,
    Just a note to let you know that I choose your post as one of features for this weeks Real Food Friday blog hop that goes live tonight @ 7pm EST. Thanks for being part of Real Food Fridays and sharing with us.

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  35. I had no idea you could do this! I love this idea!

    Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!

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    1. Jess- this is a requested recipe now- I knew when I found it that it was a good one!

      Thanks for stopping by.

      I would appreciate an email reminder when your party is up. TIA

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