Classic Pesto
Elevate your culinary creations with this vibrant and aromatic Classic Pesto recipe, a true celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. Made with freshly picked basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and rich Parmesan cheese, this traditional Italian sauce is blended to silky perfection with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and a hint of salt and pepper. Optional fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, making this pesto a versatile addition to pasta, bruschetta, grilled vegetables, and more. Ready in just 10 minutes and packed with irresistible flavor, this homemade pesto is a quick and easy way to add a gourmet touch to any dish. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for a touch of herbaceous goodness whenever you need it.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 0.333 cup Pine nuts
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse several times until the ingredients are roughly chopped and combined.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified.
Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.
Add the salt and ground black pepper. If desired, add the fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Pulse a couple more times to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a small amount of olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
Transfer the pesto to a container and use immediately, or store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in small portions (ice cube trays work well).
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
224 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.2 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 203 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.0 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.3 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 134 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 88 mg | 2% | |
*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.
