Description

This Basic Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. With a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Say goodbye to store-bought pesto and hello to fresh, homemade goodness!

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended)
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Optional: Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan, toasted nuts, and garlic. Process for 10-15 seconds until finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Taste and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for 3-4 months.

Notes

Use fresh, vibrant basil leaves for the best flavor. Don’t over-process; a bit of texture is perfect. High-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference. For longer storage, freeze pesto in ice cube trays and store cubes in a zip-top bag.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 160
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: basil pesto, homemade pesto, fresh pesto sauce, easy pesto recipe, pasta sauce, herb sauce