Homemade Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

Introduction

Fresh basil pesto is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that brings a burst of Italian sunshine to any dish. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, it’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh basil (packed)
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt to a food processor or blender.
2. Step 2: Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped and form a thick paste.
3. Step 3: For a thinner consistency, gradually add more olive oil, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired texture. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
4. Step 4: Your fresh basil pesto is ready to enjoy! Use it right away or store it for later.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds for pine nuts for a different twist.
• Add a handful of spinach or arugula for a milder, greener pesto.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

Storage

Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing. Reheat gently or use cold as desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze homemade basil pesto?

Yes, pesto freezes well. Portion it into ice cube trays or small containers, then transfer to a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

What can I use pesto on besides pasta?

Pesto is versatile—spread it on sandwiches, drizzle over grilled vegetables, mix into soups, or use as a topping for pizza and roasted meats.

Homemade Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 86 reviews

This Homemade Fresh Basil Pesto is a vibrant, flavorful sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Perfect as a pasta sauce, spread, or dip, it combines fresh herbs and simple ingredients to create a classic Italian condiment in just minutes.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Herbs and Flavorings

• 3 cups fresh basil (packed)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)

Nuts and Cheese

• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Oils

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients—fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt—to a food processor or blender.
2. Pulse to Form Pesto: Pulse the mixture until everything is finely chopped and the texture resembles a thick paste, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner pesto, gradually add more olive oil by one teaspoon at a time, pulsing between additions until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve or Store: Use immediately with your favorite dishes or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing.

Notes

• Use fresh basil leaves for the brightest flavor.
• Toast pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their nuttiness.
• You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if desired.
• Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage.
• Always cover pesto with olive oil before refrigerating to maintain its vibrant color.

Keywords: Basil pesto, fresh pesto, Italian sauce, homemade pesto, basil sauce, pesto recipe