Description
Bright, bold, and utterly delicious, this homemade Pesto is a simple blend of fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, and so much more—this is your go-to green sauce for instant flavor.
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
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse to combine.
4. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or a splash of lemon juice, if desired.
6. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
Use Genovese basil for the most classic flavor.
Toasting the pine nuts enhances depth and aroma.
Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient single servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: basil pesto, homemade pesto, easy pesto