15 Southern Living Pesto Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
In addition to its delicious and versatile flavors, pesto is also a great way to add some healthy ingredients into your meals. This Southern Living pesto recipe not only incorporates traditional basil and pine nuts, but also adds a unique twist with the addition of collard greens. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also provides a nutritious and flavorful addition to any dish.
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
Southern Living has taken everyone's favorite comfort food, grits, to a whole new level with their Jalapeno Cheese Grits recipe. The spicy kick of jalapeno peppers combined with the creaminess of cheese and grits makes for a mouthwatering side dish or even a main course. This recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover!
2of 20
A Southern Living Preview
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you're a fan of Southern cooking, then you're probably familiar with Southern Living magazine. Known for their delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, Southern Living has become a go-to source for many home cooks. And when it comes to beer can chicken, they have some of the best recipes out there. Here's a preview of some of their top beer can chicken recipes.
3of 20
Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie Southern Living
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Piecrusts, Toasted Pecans, Semisweet
Southern Living has put a twist on the classic pecan pie by adding a splash of bourbon and a drizzle of chocolate. The result is a rich and indulgent dessert that pairs perfectly with a cold beer can chicken. This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next backyard barbecue.
4of 20
Make Pesto
Main Ingredients: Pine Nuts, Garlic, Fresh Basil Leaves, Freshly Grated
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you're making pasta, chicken, or even pizza, adding a dollop of pesto can elevate the flavor of your dish. And the best part is, it's easy to make at home. All you need is some fresh herbs, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. Experiment with different herb and nut combinations to find your favorite.
5of 20
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
No beer can chicken dinner is complete without a side of mashed potatoes. This classic comfort food is a crowd favorite and Southern Living has the perfect recipe for achieving creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes every time. Don't forget to add a generous pat of butter and a splash of milk for extra richness.
6of 20
Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
Southern Living's Easy Peach Cobbler recipe is the perfect way to end a meal featuring beer can chicken. The combination of juicy peaches, warm spices, and a buttery, flaky crust is simply irresistible. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
7of 20
Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black
This recipe comes straight from country music star Martina McBride and it's a winner. Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with chicken and veggies, this soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. But it also pairs well with beer can chicken for a delicious and complete dinner.
8of 20
Fire Crackers
Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black
These spicy and addictive crackers are the perfect snack to munch on while waiting for your beer can chicken to cook. They are easy to make and can be customized to your preferred level of heat. Serve them alongside some cold beers for a tasty pre-dinner treat.
9of 20
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Milk, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Salt
Nothing beats a classic baked macaroni and cheese dish. And Southern Living's recipe is no exception. Made with a blend of creamy cheeses and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this mac and cheese is a decadent side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
10of 20
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Smoked
Transport your taste buds to New Orleans with this flavorful and hearty jambalaya recipe. Combining chicken, sausage, and a mix of Cajun spices, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to switch up your beer can chicken dinner.
11of 20
Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktail
Main Ingredients: Limeade, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Fresh Lime Juice
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, Southern Living has you covered with their Margarita Mocktail recipe. Made with fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and sparkling water, this refreshing drink is the perfect accompaniment to a spicy beer can chicken dish.
12of 20
One-pan Pasta With Chicken Sausage, Mushrooms, and...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Sausage, Cremini Mushrooms, Unsalted
This one-pan pasta recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It's quick, easy, and only requires one pan for cooking and clean-up. The addition of chicken sausage and mushrooms makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs well with a cold beer can chicken.
13of 20
Turkey Panini
Main Ingredients: Pepper Jelly, White Bread Slices, Roast Turkey, Kosher
If you have some leftover beer can chicken, why not turn it into a delicious panini? Southern Living's Turkey Panini recipe uses leftover chicken, brie cheese, and cranberry sauce for a sandwich that is both sweet and savory. It's the perfect lunch option for the day after a beer can chicken dinner.
14of 20
Chicken Bog
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Chopped Garlic
This classic Southern dish is a simple and flavorful one-pot meal. Made with chicken, rice, and sausage, it's a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve it alongside some beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Smoked Turkey Rub
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Dark Brown Sugar, Dried Thyme, Dried
If you're looking to switch up your beer can chicken rub, try this recipe for a smoked turkey rub. It's a blend of spices and herbs that adds a smoky and savory flavor to your chicken. This rub is also great for other meats like pork and beef.
16of 20
Lime Gelatin and Cottage Cheese Salad
Main Ingredients: Gelatin, Boiling Water, Ice Water, Crushed Pineapple
This retro recipe from Southern Living may seem a bit unconventional, but trust us, it's delicious. The combination of lime gelatin, cottage cheese, and whipped topping creates a light and refreshing salad that pairs surprisingly well with beer can chicken.
17of 20
Lemon Drop Martini
Main Ingredients: Lemon, Granulated Sugar, Vodka, Simple Syrup
For those who enjoy a cocktail with their beer can chicken, Southern Living has the perfect recipe for a Lemon Drop Martini. Made with vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup, this drink is sweet and tangy, making it a great pairing for a spicy chicken dish.
18of 20
Fresh Herb Pesto
Main Ingredients: Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Loosely Packed Fresh
If you have an abundance of fresh herbs in your garden, why not make a batch of fresh herb pesto? Use it as a marinade or sauce for your beer can chicken, or mix it into your mashed potatoes for a flavorful twist. The options are endless!
19of 20
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Fresh Broccoli Florets, Orecchiette Pasta
This pasta dish is a great way to sneak some greens into your diet while enjoying your beer can chicken. The pesto, made with broccoli, basil, and almonds, adds a unique and tasty twist to traditional pesto. It's a great way to use up any leftover pesto from your chicken dinner.
20of 20
Classic Chocolate Pound Cake
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Baking
No meal is complete without dessert and Southern Living's Classic Chocolate Pound Cake is the perfect way to end a beer can chicken dinner. This rich and moist cake is a chocolate lover's dream and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Why Collard Greens?
The Benefits of Adding Collard Greens to Your Pesto
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and for good reason. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Adding them to your pesto not only adds a unique flavor, but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Collard greens are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, making them a great source of antioxidants. They also contain high levels of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
A Twist on Traditional Pesto
While traditional pesto is made with basil and pine nuts, this Southern Living recipe takes it to the next level by incorporating collard greens. The collard greens add a slightly bitter and earthy taste to the pesto, which pairs well with the nutty flavor of the pine nuts. This unique combination creates a well-balanced and flavorful pesto that is perfect for adding to pastas, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
A Healthy Addition to Any Meal
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be added to a variety of dishes, making it a great way to add some healthy ingredients to your meals. This Southern Living pesto recipe not only adds the nutritional benefits of collard greens, but also uses olive oil as the main source of fat, which is a healthier alternative to traditional pesto recipes that use high amounts of cheese or heavy cream. This makes it a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based and heart-healthy options into their diet.
Final Thoughts
Pesto is a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal, and this Southern Living recipe takes it to the next level by incorporating collard greens. Not only does it add a unique twist to traditional pesto, but it also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious sauce to add to your meal, give this Southern Living pesto recipe a try!
