These Green Vegetables with Pesto are the easiest way to turn everyday veggies into something fresh, bright and tasty. Freshly steamed vegetables are tossed in yummy basil pesto – either homemade or store-bought. You can have this simple veggie side dish recipe ready in under 15 minutes! This is a reliable, no-fuss recipe that helps kids to eat more greens while giving busy weeknight dinners a little something extra.
We love pesto vegetables
I keep this side dish recipe on rotation because it’s just so easy and flexible. Steaming the veggies before quickly tossing them in pesto makes this a fast side dish.
If I’ve got a stash of homemade pesto, I’ll use that. But on busier days, store-bought pesto works just as well. Serve it with whatever green vegetables you have!
And it’s kid-friendly! Loosening the pesto with a splash of cooking water helps to coat everything evenly without the sauce being too heavy for kids. It adds colour and flavour to steamed veggies to entice little eaters!
Ingredients in Green Vegetables with Pesto
You can choose to keep this a very simple recipe by using store-bought pesto, or you can make your own 😊.
Basil pesto – Here’s a recipe for a nut-free basil pesto, or choose your favourite store-bought variety.
Green vegetables – I use broccoli, beans and peas in this recipe, as they’re family favourites. You could easily use different vegetables and substitute with your own preferred seasonal greens. Asparagus is a great addition, as well as leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard, collard greens or kale.
How to make Green Vegetables with Pesto
This is a fast recipe! Here’s a quick summary.
Scroll down to the recipe card below, to find exact ingredient amounts and full detailed steps for both regular and thermo cooker methods.
Step 1: Place a steamer basket with lid over a pot with 1-2 cups of water (making sure the water doesn’t touch the basket). Bring the water to a boil. Add and steam the greens until just tender – I like to steam the broccoli for 4 minutes and then add the beans and peas for another 3 minutes. Once cooked, drain off the excess water and transfer the veggies to a large bowl or serving dish.
Step 2: If thick, loosen the pesto with a dash of the cooking water and then stir it through the vegetables. Done!
THERMOMIX PESTO VEGETABLES:
Thermomixer? Use your machine to steam the greens in the simmering basket and Varoma. You can then use the Thermomix to make a pesto, or just transfer the veggies to a mixing bowl to stir through jarred pesto.
Serving
Serve these Green Vegetables with Pesto as a side dish to any protein for an easy family dinner.
Our favourite way to serve these veggies is with roasted lamb rump or grilled chicken, and roasted sweet potato.
SERVING FOR TODDLERS/BABIES: Choose a suitable pesto for your kids, being mindful of the ingredients list and that nuts are an allergen. Depending on how easily your little person can chew, you might like to chop the vegetables for safe eating and extend the cooking time. If needing softer veggies, remove most for the family when just tender, and then continue cooking baby/toddler’s veggies until they’re a suitable texture.
Storing and reheating
STORING: Leftover pesto vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These aren’t ideal for freezing.
If you have leftover pesto, cover it with a thin layer of oil and refrigerate. Fresh or jarred pesto can also be frozen but fresh pesto in particular won’t hold its bright green colour.
REHEATING: Reheat in the microwave in 20-second bursts until warmed through.
Looking for more side dishes to make family dinners more interesting? Give this Herby Vegetable Couscous a try. It’s a very quick and easy recipe too!
Making Green Vegetables with Pesto? Please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below. I love hearing how my recipes work for you! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more kid-friendly side dishes.
Enjoy,
Chloe x
Green Vegetables with Pesto
Category: SidesIngredients
- 200 g broccoli cut into florets
- 200 g green beans trimmed and halved
- 100 g frozen peas (Note 1)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- fresh basil to garnish
Instructions
- Place a steamer basket with lid over a pot with 1-2 cups water (making sure the water level is below the basket so the vegetables won’t be submerged). Over high heat on the stovetop, bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and steam 200 g broccoli, 200 g green beans and 100 g frozen peas until just tender (I like to steam the broccoli for 4 minutes, add the beans and peas and steam for another 3 minutes). Drain any excess moisture and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add a dash of cooking water to 1/2 cup basil pesto if needed and stir to loosen. Spoon the pesto over the vegetables and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh basil.
Thermomix Instructions
- Add 500g/0.5 quart water to the mixing bowl. Insert the simmering basket, and add 200 g broccoli. Put the deep steaming tray in place and add 200 g green beans and 100 g frozen peas. Cook 8 minutes, Varoma, speed 2, MC on
- Check that the vegetables are cooked to your liking. If not, cook for a further 2 minutes, Varoma, speed 2. Drain any excess moisture and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add a dash of cooking water to 1/2 cup basil pesto if needed and stir to loosen. Spoon the pesto over the vegetables and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh basil.
One Response
Another winner. A fresh and different way to serve greens to the family.