Mint Pesto Recipe: Fresh Herb Sauce with Lemon and Parmesan

This Mint Pesto is quick to prepare—ready in under 15 minutes with only five main ingredients. Bright and fragrant, it works beautifully as a sauce, dressing, dip, or condiment.

Every summer our garden overflows with mint. Mint can spread quickly, which is why many gardeners prefer to grow it in containers, but that abundance also means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it fresh. This mint pesto is one of my favorite ways to use a big harvest of mint leaves—fast, versatile, and full of bright flavor.

This recipe combines mint with a touch of basil, nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil to make a vibrant pesto that pairs well with many dishes. It’s adaptable: make it with only mint if you prefer, or swap ingredients to suit dietary needs.

🌟 Why you’ll love this recipe

If you enjoy basil pesto and want a fresh, lively alternative, this mint pesto is a great choice. It’s ideal for warm-weather cooking and adds an herbaceous lift to simple meals.

• Uses just a few fresh ingredients.
• Ready in about 10–15 minutes—super fast.
• Simple to prepare in a food processor or blender.
• Easily doubled or tripled to make larger batches.
• Freezes well, so you can preserve mint at peak season.

🛒 Ingredient notes

Mint: Use fresh mint leaves for the brightest flavor. Spearmint is an excellent choice for its fresh, mild profile, but other varieties work well too. Strip the leaves from woody stems and lightly wash and dry them before using.

Basil: A small amount of basil adds depth and a classic pesto note. If you prefer a 100% mint pesto, you can omit the basil entirely.

Pine nuts: They provide the traditional nutty texture and flavor. If pine nuts are unavailable or costly, toasted walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are fine substitutes—adjust quantity to taste.

Parmesan: Finely grated parmesan adds savory umami. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.

Olive oil and salt: Extra-virgin olive oil brings silkiness and richness. Kosher salt enhances the flavors—start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

1. Place the pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse paste.
2. Add the garlic, mint, basil, parmesan, and salt. Pulse several times to combine and break down the leaves and cheese.
3. With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency—smooth or slightly textured.
4. Taste and adjust salt, or add more cheese or olive oil as needed. Transfer to a jar or airtight container.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment

You will get the best texture using a food processor, which makes quick work of the nuts, herbs, and cheese. A high-powered blender can be used as an alternative, but you may need to stop and scrape the sides more frequently to get an even blend.

🍽 Serving ideas

Mint pesto is versatile—try these serving ideas:

• Top grilled steak, chicken, or lamb for a bright finishing sauce.
• Toss with pasta or stir into creamy pasta dishes for a fresh herb flavor.
• Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or toasted bread instead of mayonnaise or mustard.
• Use as a pizza base or dollop on vegetarian pizzas before serving.
• Stir into scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast bowls for a herb-forward twist.
• Serve alongside seafood: a small spoonful brightens salmon, shrimp, or white fish.

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