Pine Nut & Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta
I love quick healthy recipes and this one takes under 15 minutes to make! Pine Nut & Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta is the perfect dinner to throw together after a long day at work and is just as nice to take to work the next day. The infusion of coriander with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice makes this recipe fresh and zesty.
Can’t do coriander? Don’t panic… just switch it for basil…
Originating in Italy of course, this pesto recipe is a modern twist on the Italian classic of basil, pine nuts, olive oil and parmesan. This recipe is free from dairy and the pasta can, of course, be either gluten-free or not – depending on your preferences.
Pine Nut & Pumpkin Pesto Pasta - Key Nutrients
Pine Nuts & Pumpkin Seeds
- Both are a really good source of magnesium, the nutrient essential for nervous system function (think sleep, relaxation etc.).
- Both are a good source of anti-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids!
Coriander
- Coriander is really useful for digestive health and can help to reduce abdominal discomfort associated with IBS.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, EVOO is known to help reduce inflammation in the body and help protect against heart disease.
Pine Nut & Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh coriander
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- salt + pepper
- handful cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Add pasta to a saucepan of boiling water and cook according to instructions.
- Heat a frying pan on a medium-high heat and add the pine nuts and pumpkin seeds and toast until brown.
- Whilst the pine nuts and pumpkin seeds are toasting, place coriander, lemon juice, EVOO, salt & pepper to the food processor.
- Once lightly browned/toasted, add the pine nuts and pumpkin seeds to the food processor. Blend until a nice consistency.
- Drain pasta when cooked.
- Stir pesto through and top with tomatoes.
- Serve with a side salad.
Notes
Essential Equipment
Food processorFind your Ingredients
Pasta - There are lots of pasta to choose from. I used brown rice gluten-free pasta. I also highly recommend San Remo range for their pulse pasta range. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - I recommend Cobram Estate and you will find this in the oils aisle. Pine nuts & pumpkin seeds - Baking aisle or healthy foods aisle. Note: All ingredients are available in all major supermarkets - no trekking to the health food store here!
If you are looking for new quick healthy recipes, you'll love these;
Amy Savage is a qualified Nutritionist with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine and is available for consultations online and in Sydney CBD. Email [email protected] for further details.