Classic Green Pesto
Bright, aromatic, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Classic Green Pesto is a simple yet versatile sauce that elevates any dish it touches. Made with fragrant basil leaves, creamy pine nuts, rich Parmesan cheese, and robust garlic, it’s blended with extra virgin olive oil to create a luxurious, silky texture. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, this quick and easy pesto is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Toss it with pasta for a classic pairing, spread it on sandwiches for a gourmet twist, or use it as a dip for a burst of herby goodness. Plus, it’s easy to store—refrigerate or freeze for a ready-to-go flavor boost anytime. Whether you’re a pesto pro or a first-timer, this recipe is your go-to for bold Italian-inspired flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Start by washing the basil leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Place the basil leaves in a food processor or blender. Add the pine nuts and peeled garlic cloves.
Grate the parmesan cheese and add it to the food processor along with the salt and pepper.
Pulse the mixture a few times to start combining the ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl as needed.
With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. You can add more olive oil if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. For storage, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the pesto to prevent oxidation.
Refrigerate the pesto for up to 1 week or freeze it for longer storage. Enjoy it tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1643 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 172.7 g | 221% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.3 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1505 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.3 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 27.4 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 531 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 586 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
