Start by rinsing the fresh spinach leaves under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth.
In the food processor, combine the fresh spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to the mixture. Pulse a few more times to combine well.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
Transfer the spinach pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the food processor.
Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Spinach pesto can be used in various dishes such as pasta, on bread, or mixed into salad dressings.