Watercress Pesto Recipe – Quick, Fresh & Peppery Italian Pesto

updated: May 2026

Looking for a quick, fresh, and peppery pesto for busy weeknights or family meals? Our Watercress Pesto is a vibrant twist on traditional basil pesto, perfect for pasta, grilled meats, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.

Watercress adds a natural peppery bite, and a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavour. This pesto is simple for beginners but packed with Italian authenticity for experienced cooks. Ideal for weeknight dinners, healthy lunches, or quick meal prep.

Almonds give a softer nutty flavour, keeping the watercress as the star. You can make it vegetarian or vegan by swapping Parmesan for a plant-based alternative.

Ingredients

• 50g flaked almonds (or pine nuts for traditional pesto)
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 tbs olive oil
• 100g watercress, roughly chopped
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese (dairy-free for vegan)
• Juice of a small lemon
• Pinch of sea salt

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Chopping board and knife
• Tablespoon
• Serving bowl

How to Make Watercress Pesto

1. Blend the base: Combine almonds, garlic, and olive oil in a blender. Blitz until smooth.
2. Add watercress and lemon juice: Add the roughly chopped watercress and lemon juice. Blitz until smooth and vibrant green.
3. Incorporate the cheese: Tip the mixture into a bowl and gradually fold in Parmesan. Adjust consistency with olive oil if needed.
4. Season and taste: Add a pinch of sea salt. The watercress is naturally peppery, so additional pepper is optional.
5. Serve or store: Use immediately with pasta, on bread, grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Watercress Pesto

• Use fresh watercress for maximum flavour. Wilted leaves can taste bitter.
• Try different nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios for variety.
• Adjust lemon juice for extra brightness.
• For a creamy pesto, stir in ricotta or yoghurt.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil for up to 3 days.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

• Toss with pasta and roasted vegetables.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps with mozzarella or grilled chicken.
• Drizzle over pizza instead of tomato sauce.
• Spoon onto grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
• Add a spoonful to tomato or vegetable soup.