Fresh Basil Parsley Pesto
Elevate your meals with the vibrant flavors of Fresh Basil Parsley Pesto, a quick and versatile sauce that comes together in just 10 minutes! Featuring the perfect balance of fragrant basil, fresh parsley, and nutty toasted pine nuts (or wallet-friendly walnuts), this pesto is brightened with a zesty splash of lemon juice and a rich hint of Parmesan. Extra-virgin olive oil ties it all together for a luxuriously creamy texture, while a touch of garlic and optional black pepper add depth to the flavor. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over grilled vegetables, this homemade pesto is a fresh, wholesome alternative to store-bought varieties. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing sauce or a quick meal enhancer, this recipe delivers with bold, herbaceous goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
- 1 cup Fresh parsley leaves, tightly packed
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, peeled
- 0.3333 cup Pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground (optional)
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil and parsley leaves to remove any dirt or moisture.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.
Add the basil, parsley, garlic cloves, toasted nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese to a food processor or high-speed blender.
Pulse the ingredients a few times to begin breaking them down.
Start the food processor and slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feeder tube while the machine is running. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper (if using). Blend again to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning, adding an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1514 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 157.4 g | 202% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1679 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 25.2 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 657 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 648 mg | 14% | |
*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.
