Description
Vibrant, aromatic, and utterly irresistible — Basil Pesto is the secret weapon that turns ordinary dishes into culinary magic! With fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil, this simple Italian sauce adds instant flavor and sophistication to pasta, sandwiches, veggies, and more.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
2 cloves garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse again to combine.
3. With the motor running, slowly stream in olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
5. Adjust consistency with a little extra olive oil if needed.
6. Transfer to a jar and cover the surface with a thin layer of oil to prevent browning.
7. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Use pesto as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or drizzle over grilled chicken and veggies.
Swap pine nuts for almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a budget-friendly version.
Add spinach or arugula to stretch your basil and create unique flavors.
Homemade pesto tastes fresher and brighter than store-bought — once you make it, you’ll never go back!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg