Fresh Basil Pesto
Elevate your meals with the vibrant flavor of homemade Fresh Basil Pesto! This quick and easy recipe combines fragrant basil leaves, zesty garlic, buttery pine nuts, and rich Parmesan cheese, all brought together with velvety extra-virgin olive oil. Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Whether tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or used as a dip for your favorite veggies, this versatile pesto packs a punch of fresh, garden-inspired goodness. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week to enjoy its tantalizing aroma and bold flavor anytime. Perfect for lovers of Italian cuisine, this is the ultimate go-to recipe for a classic basil pesto!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 0.5 cups Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.125 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil leaves to remove any dirt or moisture.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, and pine nuts. Pulse several times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and pulse again until fully combined.
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture forms a smooth sauce. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, pulsing one final time to incorporate the seasoning.
Transfer the finished pesto to a small jar or bowl. If not using immediately, cover with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent discoloration and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serve the pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
307 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.4 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 17 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 399 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.6 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 9.4 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 259 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 117 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.
