Classic Pesto Dressing
Elevate your dishes with this vibrant and easy-to-make Classic Pesto Dressing, brimming with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Featuring two cups of fragrant basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a hint of zesty lemon juice, this homemade pesto is blended to perfection with extra-virgin olive oil for a silky, creamy consistency. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads, tossing with pasta, or as a dip for crusty bread. Its balance of savory, nutty, and citrusy notes makes it a must-have addition to your kitchen repertoire. Made without any cooking required, this simple recipe is the ultimate blend of fresh ingredients and convenience. Whether you're dressing up a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this pesto will deliver a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Start by toasting the pine nuts to enhance their flavor. Place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown, around 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Add the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves to a food processor. Pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the basil mixture.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil through the feed tube. Continue to blend until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Stop at intervals to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
Transfer the pesto dressing to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
185 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.2 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 208 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.5 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 3.1 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 78 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 81 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.
