Veggie Sticks and Pesto Dipping Sauce

{"handle":"veggie-sticks-and-pesto-dipping-sauce","title":"Veggie Sticks and Pesto Dipping Sauce","seoTitle":"Veggie Sticks and Pesto Dipping Sauce","ingredients":"

• 4 ribs celery, cut into sticks or store-bought pre-cut celery
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or store-bought pre-cut carrots (10 ounces)
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into lengthwise strips
• 8 thin scallions, trimmed
• 1/2 zucchini, cut into sticks
• 1 cup basil leaves
• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley tops
• 1 clove garlic, cracked away from skin
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/3 cup walnut pieces (a couple of handfuls)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

","preparation":"

Cut and arrange veggie sticks on platter. If you want to cut down on chopping, many veggies can be store-bought already cleaned and cut for dipping.

In a food processor, combine basil, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and juice and grind into a paste. Add nuts and cheese and grind again to combine them into the paste. Pulse in the EVOO (eyeball it) until it is combined. Transfer to a small dish and season the sauce with salt and pepper, to your taste. Set dipping bowl on veggie platter and serve.

","tags":"30 Minute Meals,appetizers,cheese,food processor or blender,lunch,no-cook,sides,snacks,vegetables","publishDate":"2007-10-30T07:00:00Z","status":"Publish","author":"rachael-ray","image":false}