Frozen Pesto
Unlock the vibrant flavors of summer year-round with this easy and versatile Frozen Pesto recipe! Made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, buttery pine nuts, and rich Parmesan cheese, this classic Italian sauce comes together in just 10 minutes with the help of a food processor. Finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this pesto boasts a creamy yet slightly textured consistency that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. The genius twist? Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays or small containers, so you’re always just seconds away from a burst of fresh, homemade flavor. Ideal for meal prep and packed with aromatic herbs, this recipe ensures you’ll never waste leftover basil again while keeping your dishes elevated and delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse the mixture several times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped and evenly combined.
With the food processor running on low speed, gradually drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the pesto reaches a smooth but slightly textured consistency.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Spoon the pesto into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for portioning. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Seal the containers tightly or cover the ice cube trays with plastic wrap. Label them with the date if desired.
Freeze the pesto for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Stir or blend lightly to restore consistency before using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1144 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 124.3 g | 159% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.0 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1271 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.6 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 17.7 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 504 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 159 mg | 3% | |
*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.
