Pesto Sauce for Pizza Especially
Elevate your homemade pizza game with this vibrant and flavorful Pesto Sauce for Pizza, crafted specifically to complement your favorite fresh toppings. Featuring a bright blend of fresh basil leaves, creamy Parmesan cheese, buttery toasted pine nuts, and a hint of zesty lemon juice, this recipe is a quick 10-minute way to add gourmet flair to your pizza night. Carefully balanced with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and seasonings, this pesto offers a rich, aromatic base that pairs beautifully with any crust—perfect for margarita-style pizzas or adventurous creations. Designed for maximum freshness, this versatile pesto can also be stored for later use, making it a must-have kitchen staple for pizza lovers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.33 cup Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
Begin by washing the fresh basil leaves thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are coarsely combined.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture.
Add the lemon juice and pulse a final time to blend evenly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
Use immediately as a base sauce on your pizza, spreading a thin, even layer over the crust before adding other toppings.
If not using immediately, transfer the pesto sauce to an airtight container, smooth the surface, and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1688 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 171.4 g | 220% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.1 g | 181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1826 mg | 79% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.1 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 40.4 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 975 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 465 mg | 10% | |
*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.
