# Broccoli Pesto Macaroni This Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe Adds Veggies and Herbs By M | Published 2015-10-13 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese References: [loveandlemons](http://www.loveandlemons.com/2015/10/12/broccoli-pesto-mac-cheese/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [loveandlemons](http://www.loveandlemons.com) This [gourmet mac & cheese recipe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese-product) by food blog Love & Lemons adds more veggies into the mix with a rich broccoli pesto sauce topped with more broccoli florets and chilli flakes for added spice. The recipe is a great spin on a classic dish that contains a much healthier sauce and added veggies for nutrients. The recipe begins with a pre-made healthy box of [mac & cheese sauce by Annie's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies-now-cheesier-recipe) mixed in with almond milk, butter and chopped broccoli florets. The pasta is then covered in a [homemade broccoli pesto](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-jalapeo-pesto) made from pumpkin seeds, basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and spices. The pasta is dressed in the pesto first then topped off with the creamy cheese sauce, broccoli florets, diced chives, pepper flakes and more pumpkin seeds for garnish. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Healthy Mac & Cheese:** Innovative recipes that incorporate healthy ingredients and nutrient-dense sauces into classic comfort food dishes - **Vegetable-based Pesto:** Creating new variations of pesto using alternative ingredients to traditional pine nuts, such as broccoli and pumpkin seeds - **Plant-based Comfort Food:** Incorporating a plant-based twist to traditional comfort food, creating healthier and more sustainable options for consumers ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food & Beverage:** Experimenting with innovative recipes and ingredients to offer healthier, more sustainable and plant-based options - **Agriculture:** Encouraging the growth and production of alternative ingredients like broccoli and pumpkin seeds for healthier food options - **Retail:** Offering packaged and ready-to-cook healthier and innovative meal options with easy-to-follow instructions to customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vegetable-Forward Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supermac.md) - [Clean-Label Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deluxe-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Better-for-You Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gluten-free-veggie-pasta.md) - [Limited-Edition Kid Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-mac-cheese.md) - [Nutrient-Rich Instant Macaronis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies.md) - [Grown-Up Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Gourmet Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese-frozen-ready-meals.md) - [Thick Mac and Cheese Recipes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-macaroni-dish.md) - [Alternative Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-heaven.md)