Presto Pesto
Whip up a burst of vibrant, herby flavor in just 10 minutes with this easy "Presto Pesto" recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests. This classic basil pesto combines fragrant fresh basil leaves, rich Parmesan cheese, and earthy toasted pine nuts, elevated with a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist. Blended with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, this versatile sauce boasts a silky texture and bold flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. With no cooking time required, this quick and fresh basil pesto is a must-have recipe for your kitchen, offering endless possibilities for creative meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 0.3333333333333333 cup Pine nuts
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
Gather all ingredients and ensure the basil leaves are washed and dried thoroughly.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pulse the mixture for a few seconds until it begins to break down and form a coarse paste.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to the pesto. Pulse a few more times to incorporate.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more olive oil for a smoother texture, if desired.
Transfer the pesto into a bowl or jar for immediate use or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
381 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.3 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 294 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.3 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.7 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 157 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 178 mg | 4% | |
*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.
