Spring Pesto Dip Recipes

Steps:

• For the quick pesto dipping sauce: Add the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, red pepper flakes and garlic to the base of a small food processor. With the processor running, drizzle in the oil and lemon juice and allow the mixture to become smooth. Scrape the sides, then add the mayonnaise, sour cream and salt and process until combined, about 1 minute.
• For the simple lemon dressing: Add the olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper to a small mason jar. Secure the lid and shake to combine,
• For the assembly: Add the shrimp to a small bowl and toss in 2 tablespoons of the lemon dressing. Set aside.
• Add the shredded romaine to a bowl and toss with the remaining lemon dressing. Set aside.
• One at a time, place the rice wrappers in warm water until they are soft but still hold together, about 30 seconds. Lay the wrapper flat on a plate and start by shingling 4 shrimp halves and 2 basil leaves in the center of the wrapper. Add one-quarter of the roasted peppers, onions and tomatoes. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of the pesto dipping sauce. Finally, top with a one-quarter of the lettuce in a small line. Fold in the sides of the wrapper and roll into a tight roll. Cut in half on the diagonal. Repeat to make the other 3 rolls.
• Dip the rolls into the pesto dipping sauce and dig in! Best if eaten within 1 hour of making.

Steps:

• For the pea pesto: Pulse together the peas, garlic, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a food processor. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
• For the crostini: Preheat a stovetop griddle or grill pan on medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the sliced bread with olive oil and grill until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the bread to a clean surface and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared pesto on each slice.
• Top with tomato halves and serve.
• *Cook's note: If you don't have day-old bread on hand, you can dry out fresh bread by putting the slices in a preheated 300 degree F oven until slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.

Steps:

• Combine all three ingredients, or combine the butter and cream cheese, then layer with the pesto.
• Serve with bread and crackers.

Steps:

• Stir together all ingredients except raw vegetbles.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 48 hours. Serve with raw vegetables.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Spread cream cheese evenly in the bottom of an 8-inch round baking dish. Layer pesto evenly over cream cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Steps:

• Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and pesto in a small bowl; season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve with blanched green beans, sugar snap peas, and other crisp crudites, such as thinly sliced raw fennel, cucumbers, and radishes. Dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days.