Are you looking for a refreshing twist to elevate your meals? This Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe is the perfect answer! Combining the brightness of fresh lemons, the nuttiness of toasted almonds, and the savory richness of Grana Padano cheese, this sauce is a delightful balance of flavors.
Whether you’re tossing it with your favorite pasta, drizzling it over roasted vegetables, or using it as a zesty dip, like Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, this recipe delivers a vibrant and tangy punch. It’s simple to make, uses wholesome ingredients, and brings a little sunshine to every bite. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this homemade lemon pesto is sure to become a versatile staple in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
What Does Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Taste Like?
Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce boasts a delightful medley of flavors that strike the perfect balance between zesty and savory. The bright, citrusy notes from fresh lemons take center stage, giving the sauce a refreshing tang that pairs beautifully with its creamy texture.
Complementing the lemon is the nuttiness of toasted almonds, which adds a subtle depth and crunch. The Grana Padano cheese lends a rich, savory umami flavor, while the sunflower seed oil ties everything together with a smooth, velvety finish. You can make a combo of this sauce with Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry or Trader Joe’s Thai Red Curry perfectly.
Ingredients Required for Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce
- ½ cup sunflower seed oil
- 2 medium lemons (for 3 tablespoons juice)
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ cup grated Grana Padano cheese
- ½ cup whole almonds
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from the 2 lemons)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon lactic acid
- ¼ teaspoon natural flavors (lemon or citrus extract)
- ¼ teaspoon vegetable and fruit juice (for color – turmeric works great for yellow)
- ¼ teaspoon yeast extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- A dry pan (for toasting almonds)
- Food processor or blender
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Juicer (optional, for extracting lemon juice)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Recipe for Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce at home
1. Toast the Almonds
Begin by placing the whole almonds in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Set them aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Base
Once cooled, add the almonds to a food processor and pulse until they’re finely chopped. Avoid over-processing, as this could turn them into almond butter.
3. Add Flavorful Ingredients
To the chopped almonds, add grated Grana Padano cheese, lemon zest, sugar, salt, lactic acid, natural lemon or citrus extract, yeast extract, and black pepper.
4. Blend the Oil
Turn the food processor on and slowly drizzle in the sunflower seed oil. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Incorporate Liquids
Add the lemon juice and water to the food processor. Pulse until the sauce achieves a smooth yet slightly textured consistency.
6. Adjust the Color
For a vibrant lemony hue, add a tiny pinch of turmeric or a small amount of vegetable/fruit juice. Blend briefly to combine.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the lemon pesto sauce to a serving bowl. Pair it with your favorite pasta, drizzle over grilled veggies, or serve as a zesty dip for bread and crackers.
Check another sauce recipe from Trader Joe called Trader Joe’s Red Curry Sauce Recipe
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce
Pasta Dishes: Toss the sauce with spaghetti, penne, or fusilli for a refreshing, tangy twist on classic pasta.
Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted or grilled zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a flavorful finish.
Seafood Delight: Use as a topping for grilled salmon, shrimp, or baked cod to enhance the citrusy flavors.
Chicken Marinade: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in the lemon pesto for an hour before grilling or baking. also can use with the delicious Trader Joe’s Thai Green Curry.
Spread for Sandwiches: Smear it on bread for a zesty sandwich spread or in wraps with fresh veggies and protein.
Dip for Bread: Serve as a dip for crusty bread, breadsticks, or pita for a quick appetizer.
Pizza Sauce Alternative: Use the lemon pesto in place of traditional tomato sauce on pizza for a gourmet flavor.
Grain Bowls: Drizzle over quinoa, couscous, or rice bowls topped with fresh greens and roasted veggies.
Salad Dressing: Mix with a bit of olive oil and vinegar to create a tangy salad dressing.
Egg Topping: Add a dollop on scrambled eggs, omelets, or sunny-side-up eggs for a bright, zesty kick.
Some Tips on This Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe
Use Fresh Lemons: Always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest to maximize the citrus flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.
Toast the Almonds: Toasting almonds enhances their nutty flavor. Let them cool completely before processing to prevent clumping.
Grate Cheese Finely: Finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese blends smoothly into the pesto, ensuring a creamy texture.
Add Oil Gradually: Slowly drizzle in the sunflower seed oil while blending to achieve the perfect consistency.
Balance the Flavor: Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your preference.
Color Enhancer: Use a tiny pinch of turmeric or vegetable juice for a vibrant yellow hue, but add sparingly to avoid altering the flavor.
Avoid Over-Blending: Pulse the almonds instead of blending continuously to avoid turning them into almond butter.
Consistency Control: Add more water for a thinner sauce if you’re using it as a dressing or dip.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Incorporate garlic, fresh herbs, or a touch of honey for a personalized twist.
Store Smartly: Use ice cube trays to freeze leftover pesto in small portions, making it easy to thaw just what you need.
How to Store and Reheat Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce?
To store Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions using ice cube trays.
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or oil to restore its creamy texture without overcooking.
Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup sunflower seed oil
- 2 medium lemons for 3 tablespoons juice
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ cup grated Grana Padano cheese
- ½ cup whole almonds
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest from the 2 lemons
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon lactic acid
- ¼ teaspoon natural flavors lemon or citrus extract
- ¼ teaspoon vegetable and fruit juice for color – turmeric works great for yellow
- ¼ teaspoon yeast extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by placing the whole almonds in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Set them aside to cool completely.
- Once cooled, add the almonds to a food processor and pulse until they’re finely chopped. Avoid over-processing, as this could turn them into almond butter.
- To the chopped almonds, add grated Grana Padano cheese, lemon zest, sugar, salt, lactic acid, natural lemon or citrus extract, yeast extract, and black pepper.
- Turn the food processor on and slowly drizzle in the sunflower seed oil. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice and water to the food processor. Pulse until the sauce achieves a smooth yet slightly textured consistency.
- For a vibrant lemony hue, add a tiny pinch of turmeric or a small amount of vegetable/fruit juice. Blend briefly to combine.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Transfer the lemon pesto sauce to a serving bowl. Pair it with your favorite pasta, drizzle over grilled veggies, or serve as a zesty dip for bread and crackers.
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Notes
Common Queries on This Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe that people often ask.
1. What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s pesto?
Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce includes sunflower seed oil, almonds, Grana Padano cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, salt, lactic acid, natural flavors, vegetable and fruit juice for color, yeast extract, and black pepper.
2. What is lemon pesto made of?
Lemon pesto is made with ingredients like lemon juice, lemon zest, nuts (such as almonds), cheese (like Grana Padano or Parmesan), oil, and seasonings for a tangy, creamy, and nutty flavor profile.
3. What is made of pesto sauce?
Traditional pesto sauce typically includes basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Variations, like this lemon pesto, substitute basil with lemon and almonds for a fresh, zesty twist.
4. How to make pesto sauce better?
Enhance your pesto sauce by using fresh, high-quality ingredients, toasting the nuts, and adding a small splash of olive oil or lemon juice at the end for extra brightness and depth.
5. Can I use different nuts in this lemon pesto recipe?
Yes, you can substitute almonds with other nuts like cashews, pine nuts, or walnuts, though each will give a slightly different flavor.
6. How do I store leftover lemon pesto sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions, such as in ice cube trays.
7. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the Grana Padano cheese with a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to make a vegan version.
8. What’s the best way to use lemon pesto sauce?
Lemon pesto is versatile and works well as a pasta sauce, marinade for chicken or fish, a salad dressing, or a spread for sandwiches.
9. Can I make this sauce without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a blender, or chop the ingredients finely by hand and mix them together for a more rustic texture.
10. Can I add other herbs to this lemon pesto?
Absolutely! Herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint can add an extra layer of flavor while complementing the lemony taste.
With its citrusy tang, nutty depth, and smooth finish, this Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe is sure to elevate your meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick weekday meal, this recipe will bring a burst of sunshine to your plate! 🌞
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so good, thanks
Thanks