Pine Nut Pesto Scallops Recipe – Fresh Basil Seafood with Apple Celery Slaw

Pine Nut Pesto Scallops Recipe

This pine nut pesto scallops recipe delivers a fresh and vibrant seafood experience by pairing golden-seared scallops with herbaceous basil pesto and a crisp apple celery slaw. Featured on Fish the Dish, this dish combines sweet, tender scallops with bright, tangy, and creamy elements, making it perfect for light entertaining or an elevated weeknight meal.

The Inspiration

This recipe draws inspiration from classic Mediterranean flavours, where fresh herbs, olive oil, nuts, and cheese come together to create simple yet deeply satisfying dishes. Basil pesto, originating from Italian cuisine, is traditionally paired with pasta, but here it’s reimagined as a bold base for perfectly seared scallops. The richness of the pesto complements the natural sweetness of the seafood, while the apple celery slaw introduces a refreshing crunch and acidity that lifts the entire dish.

On Fish the Dish, host Spencer Watts is known for creating seafood recipes that feel approachable yet refined, and this dish is a perfect reflection of that philosophy. By combining classic pesto with a modern slaw and expertly seared scallops, he creates a plate that feels balanced, colourful, and restaurant-worthy without requiring complicated techniques. It’s a dish that celebrates freshness, texture, and contrast—key elements in contemporary cooking.

Ingredients

Scallops

• 24 large sea scallops, muscles removed
• Canola oil for searing

Pine Nut Pesto

• 2 cups (500 ml) Packed fresh basil leaves
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 Clove garlic, peeled
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Pine nuts, toasted
• ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt

Apple Celery Slaw

• 1 large Granny smith apple, cut into matchsticks
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Lemon juice
• 4 Celery sticks, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 1 1/2 Tbsp (20ml) Chopped fresh chives
• 1- Tbsp (15ml) Honey
• 100g Goat’s cheese, crumbled
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil
• Salt
• 35g (1/3 cup) Pine nuts, toasted

Methods

• Prepare the pesto. Add basil leaves, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until it becomes a paste. Scrape pesto into a bowl.
• Prepare apple slaw.  Combine apple, lemon juice, celery, chives, honey, goat’s cheese, oil, salt, and toasted pine nuts in a large bowl.
• Season scallops. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and add canola oil. Sear scallops for 1 minute. Flip scallops when they start to colour. Remove from heat to finish cooking.
• Spoon pesto onto plate and set scallops in pesto. Top with apple slaw.

Serving Suggestions

This pine nut pesto scallops recipe is ideal for warm-weather dining, elegant lunches, or light dinners where fresh flavours take center stage. The dish pairs beautifully with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complement the herbaceous pesto and bright acidity of the slaw. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of citrus works wonderfully to cleanse the palate between bites.

When serving, consider adding a simple side like grilled bread, roasted baby potatoes, or a light green salad to round out the meal. The pesto can also double as a spread for bread, tying the elements of the dish together. If hosting guests, plate the dish individually for a refined presentation, or serve the components family-style, allowing everyone to build their own plate. The vibrant colours and contrasting textures make this dish visually appealing, perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

This pine nut pesto scallops recipe is a celebration of freshness, simplicity, and balance. The rich, aromatic pesto enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops, while the apple celery slaw adds brightness, crunch, and a touch of tangy sweetness. Together, these elements create a dish that feels both light and indulgent, making it a standout option for any seafood lover.

Whether you’re preparing a quick yet elegant dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers exceptional flavour and presentation. It highlights how a few high-quality ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create something truly memorable. This dish captures the essence of modern cooking—fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious.