Vibrant Chive Pesto: Recipes & Easy Instructions

Chive pesto? Yes, you read that right! Move over, basil, because chives are here to revolutionize your pesto game. This vibrant, flavorful sauce is a delightful twist on the classic, offering a delicate oniony kick that elevates everything it touches. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, slathering it on sandwiches, or using it as a vibrant dip, chive pesto is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect chive pesto, including variations, storage tips, and, of course, mouthwatering recipe ideas.

## Why Chive Pesto? What Makes it Special?

While basil pesto is undoubtedly a culinary staple, chive pesto offers a unique and exciting alternative. Here’s why you should consider giving it a try:

* **Unique Flavor Profile:** Chives impart a mild, oniony flavor that’s less assertive than garlic, making it a great option for those who find traditional pesto overwhelming. The subtly sweet and savory notes complement a wide range of dishes.
* **Beautiful Color:** Chive pesto boasts a gorgeous, bright green hue that makes any dish visually appealing. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
* **Easy to Grow:** Chives are incredibly easy to grow, even in small spaces. You can cultivate them in your garden, on your balcony, or even on a windowsill, providing you with a constant supply of fresh ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Chive pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways, from simple pasta dishes to sophisticated appetizers.
* **Nutritious:** Chives are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium, making this pesto a healthy and flavorful addition to your diet.

## The Ultimate Chive Pesto Recipe: Step-by-Step

Ready to embark on your chive pesto adventure? This recipe is simple, straightforward, and yields a pesto bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 ounces (about 2 cups packed) fresh chives, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

**Equipment:**

* Food processor or blender
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Rubber spatula

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chives:** Thoroughly wash the chives and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the chives. You should have about 2 cups of packed chives.
2. **Toast the Nuts (Optional):** Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor. Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let the nuts cool completely before using them.
3. **Combine Ingredients in Food Processor:** In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the chopped chives, toasted pine nuts (or other nuts/seeds), minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese (or alternative). Pulse a few times to coarsely chop the ingredients.
4. **Drizzle in Olive Oil:** With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth, emulsified paste. You may need to stop the food processor a few times to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
5. **Add Lemon Juice and Season:** Add the lemon juice to the pesto and pulse to combine. Taste the pesto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
6. **Adjust Consistency (Optional):** If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little more Parmesan cheese or nuts to thicken it.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Your chive pesto is now ready to use! Use immediately or store for later (see storage tips below).

## Variations and Additions: Customize Your Chive Pesto

The beauty of pesto lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature chive pesto.

* **Different Nuts:** Swap pine nuts for walnuts, almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each type of nut will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even goat cheese. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast or a combination of hemp seeds and lemon juice to mimic the cheesy flavor.
* **Add Herbs:** Incorporate other fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or mint, for a more complex flavor. A small amount of basil can also complement the chives nicely.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* **Avocado:** For a creamier pesto, add half an avocado to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Be sure to use the pesto immediately as the avocado can oxidize and turn brown.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add a handful of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, savory twist.

## Serving Suggestions: Unleash the Versatility of Chive Pesto

Chive pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

* **Pasta:** Toss chive pesto with your favorite pasta shape for a quick and easy meal. Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a more complete dish. Try it with gnocchi, ravioli, or tortellini for a particularly delicious combination.
* **Sandwiches and Wraps:** Spread chive pesto on sandwiches and wraps for a flavorful and herbaceous boost. It pairs particularly well with grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables.
* **Dips:** Serve chive pesto as a dip with crackers, vegetables, or pita bread. Mix it with sour cream or yogurt for a creamier dip.
* **Grilled Meats and Vegetables:** Use chive pesto as a marinade or sauce for grilled meats and vegetables. It’s especially delicious with chicken, fish, steak, asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Eggs:** Top scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas with a dollop of chive pesto for a burst of flavor.
* **Pizza:** Use chive pesto as a base for homemade pizza, topping it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and meats.
* **Soups:** Swirl a spoonful of chive pesto into soups for added flavor and richness. It works well with both hot and cold soups, such as tomato soup, vegetable soup, or gazpacho.
* **Potatoes:** Toss roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes with chive pesto for a flavorful side dish.
* **Salads:** Use chive pesto as a salad dressing, either on its own or mixed with olive oil and vinegar.
* **Garnish:** Use a small dollop of chive pesto as a garnish for grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables. It adds a pop of color and flavor to any dish.

## Recipe Ideas: Putting Chive Pesto to Work

Let’s delve into some specific recipe ideas that showcase the versatility of chive pesto.

### 1. Chive Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Asparagus

This dish is a simple yet elegant weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, farfalle, or linguine)
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup chive pesto
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
3. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill the asparagus for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
7. Slice the grilled chicken and asparagus into bite-sized pieces.
8. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the chive pesto.
9. Add the grilled chicken and asparagus and toss to combine.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

### 2. Chive Pesto Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy salmon. The chive pesto adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the fish.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
* 1 pound mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini), chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup chive pesto
* Lemon wedges, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
5. While the vegetables are roasting, place the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Spread a generous amount of chive pesto over each salmon fillet.
7. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve the salmon with the roasted vegetables and lemon wedges.

### 3. Chive Pesto and Goat Cheese Crostini

These crostini are a delicious and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for parties or gatherings.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup chive pesto
* Toasted pine nuts, for garnish
* Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil.
3. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the baguette slices for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
5. Let the crostini cool slightly.
6. Spread a thin layer of softened goat cheese on each crostini.
7. Top with a dollop of chive pesto.
8. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh chives.
9. Serve immediately.

## Storage Tips: Keeping Your Chive Pesto Fresh

To preserve the vibrant flavor and color of your homemade chive pesto, proper storage is essential. Here’s how to do it:

* **Refrigeration:** Store chive pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent oxidation and browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto before sealing the container. This creates a barrier that protects the pesto from the air.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze chive pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chive pesto can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw the pesto cubes in the refrigerator before using.

## Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

* **Pesto is too bitter:** This can be caused by using old or low-quality olive oil, or by over-processing the pesto. Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and avoid over-processing the ingredients.
* **Pesto is too thick:** Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or water to thin it out.
* **Pesto is too thin:** Add a little more Parmesan cheese or nuts to thicken it.
* **Pesto is browning:** This is a natural process caused by oxidation. To minimize browning, store the pesto in an airtight container with a layer of olive oil on top. You can also add a little extra lemon juice to the pesto, which helps to prevent oxidation.

## Conclusion: Embrace the Chive Pesto Revolution

Chive pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate a wide range of dishes. With its unique flavor profile, vibrant color, and ease of preparation, it’s a must-try for any food lover. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready to experience the chive pesto revolution! You’ll be amazed at how this simple sauce can transform your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to create your own signature chive pesto. Happy cooking!