Sometimes we need a simple dinner. That’s where pesto steps in. This simple condiment has so many uses and amps up the flavor instantly.
But what about Kirkland pesto? Before we purchase the tub, we need to know, if it’s good. How should it be stored? And, probably most important, how do we use it?
We answer all of those questions and more.
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
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Is Kirkland Pesto Vegetarian?
Kirkland Pesto is NOT vegetarian. While a quick review of the ingredient list finds a lack of animal products, there is one lurking.
The pesto sold at Costco contains pecorino romano. Cheese is allowed on vegetarian diets, but rennet is not, and this cheese contains animal protein.
Rennet is an enzyme taken from the stomach lining of an animal that is essential in the cheese-making process. Based on this product’s labeling, the manufacturers use animal products in production.
How Long Does Costco Pesto Last?
While the homemade version lasts only five days in the refrigerator, Costco pesto has a longer shelf life. There is a use-by date stamped on the bottle, and the manufacturer recommends that you toss it 4-7 days after opening.
Kirkland pesto is good for three to four weeks.
You can freeze pesto to prolong the freshness. If you intend on using a large amount in the future, you can pop the entire unopened container in the freezer. But if you typically use smaller portions, it’s best to freeze the sauce.
Frozen Costo Pesto will last for about six months.
Is Kirkland Pesto Not Refrigerated?
Some commercial varieties of pesto are shelf-stable. Kirkland pesto is NOT. This sauce is sold refrigerated and meant to be kept in the fridge.
Shelf-stable varieties contain more preservatives than those that need to be chilled. These additives help maintain freshness. The only preservatives that Kirkland pesto has are ascorbic acid and citric acid.
There is a downside to the lack of preservatives. This pesto has a shorter shelf life; you should eat it within a few weeks.
Kirkland Pesto Nutrition
Costco pesto fits in with a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Here are some highlights of the nutrition label.
- It’s high in fat, with 38% of your daily value from ¼ cup. One serving has 5g of saturated fat.
- There is no sugar or cholesterol.
- Kirkland pesto provides 15% of your daily value of calcium and 6% iron.
- There is 630mg of sodium in one serving.
Kirkland Pesto Calories
One ¼ cup serving of Kirkland pesto contains 330 calories. There are ten servings per jar.
Who Makes Costco’s Pesto Sauce
The warehouse giant is incredibly tight-lipped about its recipes and which makes its signature products. Amazon is the same way with Happy Belly products. This pesto is the same; there is no indication of who produces it.
One way to determine which company is making a store-brand product is to check the recalls. Since every distributor needs to notify customers of any issues, it can be a helpful tool. If multiple companies have the same recall, they are likely working together.
Costco lists all recalls and product alerts dating back to 2014 on its website. Pesto has not had any issues.
Can Kirkland Pesto Be Heated?
Pesto is one of the few sauces that should not be heated. Basil is the main ingredient in Kirkland Pesto, and exposure to high heat will break down the herb, producing a bitter flavor. This notion is true for homemade pesto, also.
You do not need to eat hot pasta with cold sauce – pesto can handle mild heat. The company recommends leaving the product at room temperature for 10 minutes.
To serve, add the pesto a little bit at a time to the hot pasta and mix. This method allows the pesto to warm safely.
Kirkland Pesto Review – Is It Any Good?
Yes! Kirkland pesto is good! It has a great flavor with solid hints of pecorino romano cheese. It’s not overloaded with oil or greasy in any way.
The flavors also lend themselves to various dishes, from chicken to pasta to eggs. It’s a great condiment to have around.
Kirkland Pesto Recipes
This sauce is so versatile that you can use it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Eggs — Top your omelet or scrambled eggs with a bit of pesto for some brightness in the morning.
Meatballs — Who says meatballs only take marinara sauce? Pesto is the perfect topping for this crowd-pleasing dinner.
Pasta — Any shape of pasta pairs well with pesto. Allow the sauce to come to room temperature, then slowly add it to hot pasta for the flavors to meld.
Pasta Salad — Add the pesto to cooked pasta, olives, and other mix-ins for a great potluck dish. This Cookie + Kate recipe is excellent for inspiration. If that’s too much, combine Costco tortellini with the sauce for a fast dinner.
Sandwiches — Take your lunch from ho-hum to yum by slathering the bread with pesto. This condiment complements most deli meats, from turkey to roast beef. If you want to delete the meat, try a tomato, mozzarella, or pesto sandwich.
Salmon — Top roasted salmon with pesto and serve with a side salad for a heart-healthy dinner ready in a flash.
Cod — Kirkland pesto works well on almost any fish, cod, haddock; you name it!
Shrimp — Drizzle some pesto on sauteed shrimp for a flavor-packed dinner.
Chicken — Slather room temperature pesto on cooked chicken for a two-ingredient dinner.
Pizza Topping — Drizzle some pesto on your favorite pizza for a flavor rush. Or, if you are making it from scratch, skip the marinara and top the dough with ricotta cheese and a healthy drizzle of pesto.
Caprese — Tomato, basil, and balsamic are pretty standard appetizers. Take it to the next level and switch the balsamic for pesto.
What Do You Think?
Have you tried Kirkland Pesto? Did you like it? Are there other Costco products you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to hear.
Read More:
11 Easy Recipes For Costco Meatballs
The Best Frozen Appetizers From Costco
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