• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Dessert
    • Condiments
    • Reviews
  • About Midwexican
    • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me!

Midwexican

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Midwexican
  • Work With Me!
×

Home » Condiments

Published: Jun 16, 2017 · Modified: Jan 12, 2022 by Tino Marie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto)

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • LinkedIn

Pepita Pesto swaps pumpkin seeds for pine nuts and offers an affordable and tasty twist on the popular condiment (when compared to versions made with pine nuts). Give this vibrant pesto with pumpkin seeds a try on your next pasta dish!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Jump to Recipe
Jump to:
  • What is Pesto?
  • What do Pepitas taste like?
  • What is the difference between Pesto and Chimichurri?
  • Pepita Pesto
  • How do you make Pumpkin Seed Pesto?
  • Variations & Substitutions
  • Storage?
  • Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto)

What is Pesto?

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto)
Freshly made Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds.

Pesto is an herbaceous green condiment whose origins reside in Italy. Traditional recipes call for basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. However, pesto is versatile and is amenable to substitutions like kale or spinach instead of basil or walnuts instead of pine nuts.

Pesto is one of those things I enjoy but never make. I blame the pine nuts called for in traditional recipes. Not only are they spendy, but I literally don’t know what else you can do with them besides toast them and toss them on salads. I’m sure between some googling and oogling of Pinterest boards I’d be more informed on the likely versatility of the pine nut (admittedly, they’d probably be pretty amazing in chocolate chip cookies), but that doesn’t resolve the hit to my wallet.

Enter the humble pepita (aka pumpkin seed). Which are around half the cost of pine nuts (and even less, depending on the brand). And you know what else? You can use pepitas to make pesto! And Pumpkin Seed Pesto is super delicious, for reals.

That and there’s no risk of the dreaded and mysterious ‘pine mouth’ with pepitas.

What do Pepitas taste like?

Raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds) have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. You can also toast the pepitas before use in this Pepita Pesto to enhance the nuttiness even more. But I think they work beautifully raw too.

What is the difference between Pesto and Chimichurri?

These delicious and herbaceous condiments may look similar but they differ in a few important ways. Pesto has its roots in Italy, whereas Chimichurri is of Argentinian descent. Pesto is made with basil, while chimichurri is made with parsley and oregano, and occasionally cilantro. I think of pesto as an herb and nut condiment, as recipes usually call for pine nuts, though you can sub in other types of nuts like pepitas - as I do in this recipe! Chimichurri is an herb and vinegar condiment, as white vinegar is where it gets its signature tang. Despite their differences, they both make some seriously tasty toppings.

Pepita Pesto

Pepita Pesto (or pesto with pumpkin seeds) is a departure from classic Italian versions but relies on the same core ingredients including garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. But newly invited to the party are parsley, cilantro, and lime juice, which add an herbaceous brightness, and red pepper flakes, which lend some heat. I feel that going the parsley/cilantro route over basil makes it something you can think outside of the pasta box with. You can use it in ways that aren’t decidedly Italian - like slathered on a pork loin, as a grilled cheese sandwich spread, or incorporated into potato salad.

I love this recipe because it’s fairly simple and because I always secretly feel super accomplished for creating something that looks so fancy, bright, and fresh. Just toss all the ingredients into a food processor and let it do all the work for you. But take all the credit.  

How do you make Pumpkin Seed Pesto?

For this Pumpkin Seed Pesto recipe you will need the following ingredients:

INGREDIENTS  

  • pepitas*
  • cilantro
  • parsley (Italian or Curly both work here)
  • garlic clove
  • lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • red pepper flakes
  • grated parmesan cheese
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

*See recipe card for ingredient amounts.

INSTRUCTIONS 

Remove the stems from the cilantro and parsley. I usually just cut just above the tie and don’t go to the trouble of stripping the leaves from individual stems.

Add all of the ingredients except for the olive oil to a food processor, including a few dashes of salt and pepper.

Ingredients to make Pepita Pesto
Add ingredients to food processor, except for olive oil.

Start food processor, and slowly stream in ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil.

Process, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until well combined.

Check consistency and add more olive oil, if necessary. You should have a sort of cilantro pepito pesto paste at this point.

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto)
Check the consistency of your pesto after processing. Add more olive oil if you prefer a looser consistency.

I prefer to leave my pesto chunky - as sort of a pepita pesto paste - until I use it. I find that I can add additional olive oil later on if necessary. But if you prefer a looser consistency, feel free to add more olive oil.

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto)
Fresh Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto)

*If you’re struggling to find pepitas, I recommend ordering online. You’re already here, so go out and get you some! I’m a fan of Sincerely Nuts pepitas, and order them from Amazon. Get a pound. Use the extra pepitas to make oven-roasted pepita snacks like these Crunchy Porchetta Seasoned Pepitas.

Variations & Substitutions

This Pumpkin Seed Pesto recipe is super flexible so feel free to make adjustments to suit your tastes. Here are some suggestions.

  • Hate cilantro? So do I! Leave it out and use more parsley instead. Or replace with fresh basil.
  • Have lemon on hand? Use it instead of lime. But try to use fresh-squeezed if you can. If not, I won't tell if you use the bottled stuff.
  • Make it spicy! Add in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to add some heat. Try starting with ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, taste, and add more incrementally as needed.
  • Swap parmesan cheese for cotija cheese.

Storage?

Store leftover Pumpkin Seed Pesto in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Condiment crazy? Check these out.

  • Citrus Jalapeno Salsa
  • Buffalo Ranch Hummus with Pickled Celery
  • Roasted Green Tomato Salsa
  • Roasted Garlic Guacamole
  • Spicy Pico de Gallo
Pepita Pesto

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto)

Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita Pesto) offers a bright and budget-friendly twist to classic Italian pesto recipes, allowing you to think outside the pasta box.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Course Side Dish

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup pepitas*
  • ½ bunch cilantro
  • 1 bunch parsley (Italian or Curly both work here)
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • ⅓-2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Remove the stems from the cilantro and parsley. I usually just cut just above the tie and don’t go to the trouble of stripping the leaves from individual stems.
  • Add all of the ingredients except for the olive oil to a food processor, including a few dashes of salt and pepper.
  • Start food processor, and slowly stream in ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Process, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until well combined.
  • Check consistency and add more olive oil, if necessary (seen otes). You should have a sort of pepito pesto paste at this point.

Notes

I prefer to leave my pesto chunky - as sort of a pepita pesto paste - until I use it. I find that I can add additional olive oil later on if necessary. But if you prefer a looser consistency, feel free to add more olive oil.
*You can lightly toast the pepitas in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes if you like.
Keyword pepita pesto, pesto with pumpkin seeds
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

More Condiments

  • Chipotle Blender Hollandaise
  • Sweet Vinegar and Oil Dressing
  • Tajin Cucumber Salsa
  • Best Uses for Leftover Bacon Grease

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Follow me!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Christina from Midwexican

About Christina

I'm a Minnesota native who can't get enough of south-of-the-border flavors. My recipes combine comforting Midwestern eats with bold Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors. If you love comforting food, bold flavors, and - most importantly - tacos! then you'll love what I'm cooking!

Learn more about me →

Lighter Fare

  • Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Instant Pot Pozole
  • Imitation Crab Ceviche
  • Tuna Tostadas
  • Turkey Lentil Soup
  • White Chicken Porchetta Chili
  • Cruciferous Crunch Salad with Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette
  • Instant Pot Pinto Bean Soup

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Work With Me!

    • Let's Collaborate!

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Midwexican

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT