Zesty Lemon Pesto Recipes

LIGHT LEMON PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti at a boil until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Transfer spaghetti to a large bowl.
• Put cubed Romano cheese in the bowl of a food processor; process until coarsely grated, about 30 seconds. Put garlic into the food processor and process until the cheese and garlic are combined. Add spinach, basil, walnuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt; process until the mixture comes together into a thick paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
• With food processor running, drizzle olive oil into the mixture. Continue processing until the oil is integrated smoothly.
• Pour sauce over spaghetti and toss to coat.

CILANTRO-LEMON PESTO

Steps:

• Combine ingredients in food processor.
• Puree until ingredients are fully combined and the pesto has a smooth texture with no significant lumps (may still be just a little gritty). You may add additional olive oil if you like.
• May be served hot or at room temperature. Leftovers can be frozen in small tupperware containers or ice cube trays and thawed when you're ready to use.

ZESTY LEMON FROSTING

Steps:

• Cream butter and lemon zest in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, about 3 minutes.
• Slowly add icing sugar, mixing on low speed for about 2 minutes.
• Add remaining ingredients and beat on med-high for 3-4 minutes until very fluffy.
• If using color gel, add a drop or two, then beat until blended.
• Yields enough to frost outside of three layer 8" round cake.