In an ideal world, my kids would sit at the dinner table nicely every night, eat all of their vegetables, and tell their mom what a delicious meal she made for them.
In reality, my kids are up and down from their seats, oftentimes are slow to eat their vegetables, and sometimes Lars tells me he doesn’t like what I made before he even tries it.
Some nights (okay, every night), I just don’t feel like putting up a fight about my kids eating their vegetables. While it’s deeply satisfying to see my child eating something healthy, I also know that pushing them to eat a particular food group is only going to turn them away from it even more. So in my book, I value exposure over cleaning their plates.
I highly encourage both of them to at least try everything on their plate, but I try not to force.
That said, sometimes I just hide vegetables in their meals. Case in point: broccoli pesto. I already knew my kids liked pesto, so why not make it with some extra nutrients packed in?
This recipe for Broccoli Pesto is super easy to make, and can be used for so many different things aside from pasta. It can be used as a dip, on top of chicken, spread on sandwiches, or even mixed into boxed mac and cheese. I mean, why not?!
In an effort to be 100% transparent with this blog – my kids didn’t love this pesto every time they ate it. The first time I think Lars had one bite. However, when I served it again the next day, I devoured it. I say this to keep in mind that even if your kid doesn’t eat something the first, second, or tenth time you give it to them, they just might eat it on the eleventh. You never know!
Give this Broccoli Pesto a try tonight!
Like this recipe? Check these out, too!
Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad from greens & chocolate
Kale Pesto from greens & chocolate
Pesto Potato Salad from Well Plated
Pesto Grilled Cheese Sliders from Set The Table
10 minPrep Time
2 minCook Time
12 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Place the broccoli in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Cover with a paper towel and microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, until steamed.
- In a food processor, add the steamed broccoli, basil, Parmesan cheese, almonds, garlic, and salt, and pulse until pureed.
- With the food processor on low, slowly add the olive oil, until fully incorporated.
- Serve with pasta, on top of meat, as a spread, as a dip, or however you'd like!
- Enjoy!
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