Caper Pesto

This fresh, herby pesto combines basil, dill, and capers with a bright twist of lemon and Parmesan for a zesty, aromatic spread. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this pesto puts a briny twist on a timeless Italian sauce.

Bowl of green caper pesto with spoon on marble surface.
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
5 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1/3 cup pine nuts

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

  • 1/4 cup packed fresh dill

  • 3 tablespoons capers

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

  • 2 cloves smashed garlic

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for caper pesto, including basil, garlic, and pine nuts.

    Allrecipes/Qi Ai

  2. Process basil, Parmesan, oil, pine nuts, green onions, dill, capers, juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor until nearly smooth.

    Food processor bowl filled with green caper pesto mixture.

    Allrecipes/Qi Ai

    To Serve

    Toss about 1/4 cup pesto with 2 cups of cooked pasta.

    Fusilli pasta with caper pesto topped with grated cheese and fork.

    Allrecipes/Qi Ai

  3. Chill in an airtight container up to 1 week; freeze up to 3 months.

    Glass jar of green caper pesto with spoon and lid on marble surface.

    Allrecipes/Qi Ai

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

126 Calories
13g Fat
2g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 126
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 172mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin C 2mg 3%
Calcium 48mg 4%
Iron 0mg 3%
Potassium 57mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.