• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nuts and Twigs
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
×
  • cauliflower rice burrito bowls.
    Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls
  • stack of vegan cucumber sandwiches.
    Vegan Cucumber Sandwiches
  • plate of the ravioli salad.
    Trader Joe’s Ravioli Pasta Salad
  • Trader Joe’s Falafel Naan Wrap.
    15-Minute Trader Joe’s Falafel Naan Wrap
  • german potato salad in a bowl.
    German Potato Salad: Quick and Easy Recipe
  • seasoned popcorn on plates.
    7 Homemade Popcorn Seasonings
  • bowl of Lemony Orzo Chickpea Soup.
    Lemony Orzo Chickpea Soup
  • homemade Italian vinaigrette in a jar.
    Homemade Italian Vinaigrette
  • sweet chili lime sauce in a bowl.
    Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
  • spring roll salad in a bowl with a fork.
    Spring Roll Salad
  • mexican potatoes on a plate.
    Mexican Potatoes
  • adding pasta to a pan of vegan vodka sauce.
    Vegan Vodka Sauce
Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Veganuary Recipes

Easy Lemon Pistachio Gremolata

Published: Oct 9, 2023 · Modified: Jan 7, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

This Lemon Pistachio Gremolata is a delicious, healthy, plant-based garnish of vibrant lemon, robust pistachios, and fragrant parsley. This gem elevates a wide array of plant-based dishes, from roasted vegetables to pasta and sandwiches without oil. 

Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
lemon pistachio gremolata

With just five ingredients, this oil-free garnish or condiment adds a fast, fresh flavor boost to any plant-based meal. It's so easy to make and delicious on smoked tofu or a high-protein tofu scramble. It's also delicious on a vegan Spanish omelet, vegan quiche, or a dollop on Vegetable Stew and Dumplings.

I love to make a batch of this five-ingredient condiment when I have so much parsley that I don't know what to do with it! It's so easy and uses ingredients I always have on hand.

Jump to:
  • What is Gremolata?
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How To Make Easy Lemon Pistachio Gremolata
  • Top Tips
  • How to Use Gremolata
  • Storage
  • Gremolata FAQS
  • More Delicious Vegan Recipes
  • Easy Lemon Pistachio Gremolata
  • Comments

What is Gremolata?

Gremolata is an Italian garnish or condiment made from three simple ingredients: lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

It's traditionally used to elevate the flavors of veal or other meats, but it's an amazing way to bring a burst of flavor and vibrant color to any plant-based meal like the Mediterranean Grain Bowl or even soups like Healthy Red Lentil Soup. You can even drop a dollop over Simple Instant Pot Yellow Rice or serve with Air-Fryer Fries for a burst of flavor.

While the classic version sticks to these three ingredients, I love it with nuts, and I sometimes add dates, mint, or basil to diversify its flavor profile. Its simplicity and versatility make gremolata a go-to for elevating meals.

Ingredients

ingredients for pistachio gremolata
  • Use flat-leaf fresh parsley.
  • For the pistachios, I use no shell, salted and roasted (I like the strong flavor), but raw pistachios are fine, too.

See the recipe card for all ingredients and quantities.

Variations

  • Add pitted and finely chopped dates for a sweet and savory condiment.
  • Add ½ cup of fresh herbs like basil or mint for variations.
  • Enhance the flavor by sprinkling in some red pepper flakes for an added kick of heat.
  • Add some finely chopped capers for a briny kick.

How To Make Easy Lemon Pistachio Gremolata

Below are some pics of the process. See the recipe card for details.

ingredients for gremolata in food processor

Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a food processor.

ingredients for gremolata in food processor

Step 2: Pulse a few times until you get the desired consistency.

Top Tips

  • Pulse the pistachios and garlic to get them chopped up before adding the fresh parsley. This keeps the parsley more intact. 
  • Alternatively, chop everything by hand, being sure to finely mince the garlic and parsley. Then combine everything in a bowl, stirring until evenly blended. This will keep the pistachios more intact.
  • If you need to make it for a nice presentation in advance, I suggest only making it within a few hours of eating it for the best presentation and freshness. While you can store it for a couple of days in an airtight container, and it's still great, it looks and tastes best when eaten the same day.
  • Add a drop of lemon juice or olive oil if you need the mixture to be a little moist.
leomn pistachio gremolata on andwich bread

How to Use Gremolata

Here are some vegan dishes where this gremolata would work beautifully:

  • Roasted Vegetables: A sprinkle of gremolata on top of roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or regular potatoes can elevate the dish.
  • A swirl of gremolata can brighten up a hearty lentil soup like this Healthy Red Lentil Soup.
  • Cauliflower Steak: Elevate your pan-seared or oven-roasted cauliflower steaks with a generous topping.
  • A layer of gremolata on top of a bowl of hummus like High-Protein Low-Carb Lupini Bean Hummus or baba ganoush is delicious and looks fancy for gatherings.
  • While not traditional, sprinkle gremolata on a fresh-out-of-the-oven vegan pizza like Pear and Pistachio Pesto Pizza or 100% Biga Neapolitan Pizza.
lemon pistachio gremolata on pasta

Storage

Place the pistachio gremolata in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to three days.

The parsley doesn't stand up well to freezing, so I don't recommend it.

Gremolata FAQS

Can I use other citrus fruits in gremolata?

While lemon is traditional, you can experiment with lime or orange zest to give your gremolata a different flavor profile.

Can I substitute the parsley with another herb in gremolata?

You can partially substitute the parsley or replace it altogether with other chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist. Just make sure the herb pairs well with the dish you're garnishing.

Is gremolata gluten-free?

Yes, this gremolata is gluten-free.

Can I add olive oil to the gremolata?

Traditional gremolata doesn't include olive oil—it's a dry mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. However, adding olive oil can turn it into more of a paste or sauce, similar to pesto or chimichurri, which you can then drizzle over dishes or use as a marinade.

What is the difference between gremolata and chimichurri?

In short - gremolata is a zingy, lemony garnish, and chimichurri is a garlicky, herb?oiled sauce. Gremolata is an Italian combo of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest used as a bright, dry finishing touch. Chimichurri is traditionally an Argentinian herby vinaigrette of parsley, garlic, oil, vinegar, and spices. Generally, gremolata adds a zesty pop on top of dishes, whereas chimichurri is saucy, tangy, and perfect for drizzling or marinating.

More Delicious Vegan Recipes

  • close up of single pizza roll on a baking sheet
    Easy Vegan Pizza Roll Recipe
  • Vegan Couscous Salad Bowl with Lemon Vinaigrette in a white bowl; side view.
    Vegan Pearl Couscous Salad
  • side view of bowl of pasta with a fork twirling some pasta.
    Lemon Artichoke Pesto Pasta
  • top view of the Instant pot vegetable couscous in a bowl with a fork hanging on the plate.
    Instant Pot Vegetable Pearl Couscous

Have a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Easy Lemon Pistachio Gremolata. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

lemon pistachio gremolata

Easy Lemon Pistachio Gremolata

Regi Pearce
Indulge in the delectable harmony of vibrant lemon, robust pistachios, and fragrant parsley with Lemon Pistachio Gremolata. This gem elevates a wide array of dishes, from roasted vegetables to pasta and sandwiches. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Total Time 3 minutes mins
Course condiment
Cuisine Italian, Vegan
Servings 1 Bowl
Calories 203 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley packed; about 40 grams
  • ¼ cup pistachios
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Combine: Place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse several times until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Serve: Use immediately to top your dish, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

I use no shell, roasted, and salted pistachios for this recipe, but raw pistachios would be great too. Adjust the salt if using raw or unsalted.
Even a small dollop of this garnish makes a big impact. This yields approximately ½ cup, but because you use it sparingly as a garnish, it lasts much longer than you might think.
You can pulse the pistachios and garlic to get them chopped up before adding the parsley. This keeps the parsley more intact. 
Alternatively, chop everything by hand, being sure to finely mince the garlic and parsley. Then combine everything in a bowl, stirring until evenly blended. This will keep the pistachios more intact.
If you need to make it for a nice presentation in advance, I suggest only making it within a few hours of eating it for the best presentation and freshness. While you can store it for a couple of days in an airtight container and it still is great, it looks and tastes best when eaten the same day.
Nutritional information is only an estimation.

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 616mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 5mg
Keywords 5 minute recipe, batch cooking, easy, no cook
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

More Veganuary Recipes

  • containers of popcorn.
    Best Homemade Movie Theater Popcorn
  • stack of cookies on a plate.
    Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • blood orange vinaigrette in a mason jar with a label that says blood orange.
    Blood Orange Vinaigrette
  • Tofu Wrap with Spicy Apricot Sauce on a plate with chips and salad.
    Tofu Wrap with Spicy Apricot Sauce

About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Rob P says

    October 09, 2023 at 2:09 pm

    5 stars
    This was so good with grilled tofu.

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      October 23, 2023 at 6:28 pm

      Grilled tofu sounds like an amazing pairing! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the dish and found a great combo to make it even better.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband Rob and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but still worth living.

More about me


Spring Recipes

  • collard green wraps on plate.
    Collard Green Wraps

  • Vegan Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce in a bowl.
    Vegan Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce

  • cucumber and apple salad in a bowl.
    Cucumber and Apple Salad

  • vegan Spanish omelet
    Vegan Spanish Omelet (Spanish Tortilla)

Popular Recipes

  • walnut meat in a bowl next to brown rice
    Easy Walnut Taco Meat

  • vegan sushi bake casserole with the garnishes side view
    Vegan Sushi Bake

  • angle side view of a hand placing a plate of Vegan Grits With Savory Mushrooms and Collard Greens on a table.
    Vegan Grits With Savory Mushrooms and Collard Greens

  • bowl of angel hair pasta salad.
     Angel Hair Pasta Salad

  • bunch of sliced high protein lupini seitan
    High-Protein Lupini Bean Seitan

  • jar of the lemon vinaigrette.
    Easy Lemon Vinaigrette

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Me

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Copyright © 2024

leomn pistachio gremolata on andwich bread

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required