Description
Basil Pesto is a classic Italian sauce bursting with fresh herb flavor. Made with a simple blend of basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, this vibrant sauce is perfect for dressing pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
2 large garlic cloves
1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 2 small lemons)
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepperInstructions
Prepare Ingredients:
Wash and dry the basil leaves.
Peel the garlic cloves.
Blend Ingredients:
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and garlic cloves.
Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Add Olive Oil:
With the food processor running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Season and Add Lemon Juice:
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse a few more times to mix everything together.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute pine nuts with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin.
- If not using immediately, cover with a layer of olive oil and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to six months.
- Optional variations include adding other herbs like parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 4mg