My Favorite Pesto Recipe
Bright, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavors, My Favorite Pesto Recipe is a must-try for any pesto lover. Made with fragrant basil leaves, toasty pine nuts, rich Parmesan cheese, and a zing of fresh lemon juice, this easy homemade pesto comes together in just 10 minutes. The secret to its velvety texture is a slow drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, which binds the ingredients into a perfectly creamy sauce. Elevate your meals by tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a dip for crusty bread. This no-cook recipe is a versatile kitchen essential, ready to bring a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.33 cup Pine nuts
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 whole Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon juice.
Pulse the ingredients a few times until roughly combined.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add the salt and black pepper, and process briefly to incorporate the seasonings. Adjust to taste if necessary.
Transfer the finished pesto to a bowl or jar. Use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
487 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.8 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.2 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1862 mg | 81% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.5 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 23.9 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 512 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 440 mg | 9% | |
*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.
