How to Easily Make Pesto from Fresh Basil
Transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria with this simple and flavorful recipe for making pesto from fresh basil. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, creamy sauce bursting with the aromas of fresh basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and rich pine nuts, all blended to perfection with garlic and extra virgin olive oil. This easy, no-cook recipe requires only a food processor and a few pantry staples, making it a quick go-to for weeknight meals or gourmet entertaining. Perfect as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or a topping for grilled veggies, this homemade basil pesto is a versatile kitchen hero that brings a taste of Italy to every bite. Plus, storing it in an airtight container means you can savor its fresh flavors all week long!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 2 whole Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons (freshly ground) Black pepper
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil leaves to remove any dirt or excess moisture.
In a food processor, add the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until roughly chopped and blended.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper, then pulse a few more times to mix evenly.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, or use immediately as a sauce, spread, or topping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1407 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.7 g | 192% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1503 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 22.4 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 516 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 361 mg | 8% | |
*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.
